Seeds
A striking, heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce with deep red, frilly edges.
Spinach is a quintessential cool-weather crop that grows quickly and yields heavily in the spring and autumn months. It prefers rich, moist soil and can be harvested at the "baby" stage for tender, sweet salads or left to mature for robust cooking greens. Highly versatile in the kitchen, it wilts down perfectly for pastas, quiches, and curries while retaining its high nutritional value.
Light
Prefers bright light and tolerates partial shade, which is welcome in warm weather. Give it morning sun and afternoon shade as temperatures rise.
Water
Needs steady, even moisture, watering when the top 2 cm dries. Spinach is shallow rooted, and dry spells cause bolting and bitterness.
Humidity
Average humidity is fine. Water at soil level and thin seedlings so air flows between the plants, which reduces leaf spot and mildew.
Temperature
Grows well through the cool months, from about 8 to 28 C, so sow from October to January on the plains. In 35 C+ heat it can be held briefly under shade net with steady watering but flowers quickly, so time sowing for the cooler weather.
Pets and children
Pet-safe
Soil
Rich, moist, well drained soil high in organic matter. Mix in compost or vermicompost, and avoid deep cultivation because spinach roots are shallow.
Fertilizer
Spinach is a quick crop that likes available nitrogen. Mix compost into the soil before sowing and give a light balanced liquid feed every 2 to 3 weeks.
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