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Spinach — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Spinach
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

25days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easy to moderatedifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in early spring or late summer. Plant when soil temperature is 50-70°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil high in nitrogen
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 3-6 inches
Height: 6-12 inches
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green
Size: 3-6 inch leaves
Shape: Broad, arrow-shaped leaves
Flavour: Mild, slightly sweet when young, becoming more mineral-rich with maturity

In the kitchen

Fresh salads (baby leaves), sautéed, steamed, soups, smoothies, quiche, and pasta dishes.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, flea beetles, slugs
Diseases: Downy mildew, fusarium wilt, white rust, damping off
Resistance: Downy Mildew races 1-3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19 (High)

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	June – September
2	—	—	May – July	June – September
3	—	—	May – June	May – October
4	—	—	April – June	May – October
5	—	—	April – May	May – November
6	—	—	April – May	April – November
7	—	—	March – May	April – November
8	—	—	March – April	March – December
9	—	—	February – March	February – December
10	—	—	January – March	February – December
11	—	—	January – February	January – December
12	—	—	January – February	January – December
13	—	—	January – February	January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

RadishesBreak up soil for spinach roots and mature quickly without competing for space

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow spinach roots, and carrots help aerate soil

StrawberriesProvide ground cover and living mulch while spinach grows vertically

PeasFix nitrogen in soil which benefits leafy spinach growth

GarlicRepels aphids and other pests that commonly attack spinach

ChivesDeter aphids and improve overall garden health with natural pest control

NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, protecting spinach

BeansFix nitrogen in soil and provide beneficial ground cover

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit spinach germination and growth

PotatoesHeavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may shade out spinach

SunflowersAllelopathic effects and heavy nutrient competition with shallow-rooted spinach

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.742
Fat (g): 0.0738
Carbohydrate (g): 3.37
Vitamin K (µg): 20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.0401
Calcium (mg): 14.2
Iron (mg): 0.0332
Magnesium (mg): 6.31
Phosphorus (mg): 19.2
Potassium (mg): 139
Zinc (mg): 0.173

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Spinach

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Spinach?

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