Spinach is sown three to six weeks before your last spring frost and again in late summer for fall. In the South, it is mainly a fall and winter crop. Find your zone below, or enter your ZIP code for dates based on the weather station closest to you.
Spinach dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Spinach planting dates by zone
| USDA zone | When to plant |
|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 11 – May 2 |
| Zone 4 | April 4 – April 25 |
| Zone 5 | March 27 – April 17 |
| Zone 6 | March 20 – April 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 6 – March 27 |
| Zone 8 | February 17 – March 10 |
| Zone 9 | January 20 – February 10 |
Not sure of your zone? Look it up by ZIP code.
Why spinach is planted early
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best at 50–60 °F and tolerates frost. It bolts, sending up a flower stalk and turning bitter, as the days lengthen and warm up in late spring. That is why it is sown weeks before the last spring frost, and again in late summer for fall.
How to plant spinach
- Sow seeds directly in the garden, about ½ inch deep, once the soil is about 45 °F.
- Space seeds 1–4 inches apart in rows or wide beds.
- Thin when the leaves touch and plants are about 2 inches tall. Eat the thinnings.
- Sow again every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Keep the soil evenly moist for fast, tender growth.
Harvesting spinach
Spinach is ready in about 27–50 days, depending on the variety. Cut the full-size outer leaves and leave the center to keep growing, or cut the whole plant. Once it starts to send up a flower stalk, harvest everything, because the leaves turn bitter.
Frequently asked questions
Can spinach handle frost?
Yes. Spinach is frost tolerant and grows best in cool weather, so it is sown three to six weeks before your last spring frost.
Why does my spinach bolt?
Long days and warm temperatures in late spring trigger bolting. Sow early and choose slow-bolting varieties such as Tyee or Olympia.
How deep should spinach seeds be planted?
About ½ inch deep, 1–4 inches apart.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.