When to plant spinach 🥬
Spinach takes 35–50 days to mature, spaced 6" apart at 0.5" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 13 – April 27 | April 13 – May 11 | April 27 – May 11 | June 29 – July 20 |
| Zone 4 | April 3 – April 17 | April 3 – May 1 | April 17 – May 1 | June 19 – July 10 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 – April 3 | March 20 – April 17 | April 3 – April 17 | June 5 – June 26 |
| Zone 6 | March 4 – March 18 | March 4 – April 1 | March 18 – April 1 | May 20 – June 10 |
| Zone 7 | February 19 – March 4 | February 19 – March 18 | March 4 – March 18 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Zone 8 | February 2 – February 16 | February 2 – March 1 | February 16 – March 1 | April 19 – May 10 |
| Zone 9 | January 4 – January 18 | January 4 – February 1 | January 18 – February 1 | March 21 – April 11 |
| Zone 10 | December 19 – January 2 | December 19 – January 16 | January 2 – January 16 | March 5 – March 26 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized spinach planting dates
Care tips
- Cool weather crop — bolts quickly in heat.
- Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.
- Keep evenly moist for tender leaves.
Good companions
Peas, Strawberries, Radish.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your spinach harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start spinach seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start spinach seeds indoors between March 20 and April 3 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start spinach seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start spinach seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start spinach seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start spinach seeds indoors between February 19 and March 4 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start spinach seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start spinach seeds indoors between February 2 and February 16 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant spinach seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant spinach seedlings about -4–-2 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 18–April 1.
How long does spinach take to grow?▾
Spinach typically takes 35–50 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 5–8 weeks after the last spring frost.