Home grown spinach are delicious and packed with iron, calcium, antioxidants and essential vitamins.
With right potting soil and adequate watering, you can easily grow spinach at home. As a gardener it might be exciting to know how long does it take for spinach to fully grow, so you can harvest and enjoy in your dish.
Depending on spinach variety, it takes around 45-60 days to fully grow spinach plant.
But, for optimal growth you need to follow certain growing conditions. Most new gardeners out of anxiety ignore to care spinach plants, resulting in low quality yield.
In this article l”ll discuss best way to grow spinach at home.
What Are the Main Factors that Can Affect the Growth of Spinach?
While growing leafy vegetables like spinach it is important to consider below mentioned factors for quality yield.
1. Temperature: Spinach plants prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 50F-70F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°F (26.7°C) can cause spinach leaves to become bitter and less palatable.
2. Sunlight: Spinach needs around 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth but will tolerate some shade.
3. Soil: Spinach grows best in loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or peat moss added in it. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH between 6 and 7 for the best results.
4. Water: Spinach needs consistent moisture in order to thrive, so it’s important to keep the soil moist at all times by watering frequently throughout the growing season; however, be careful not to over-water as this can lead to root rot or cause premature bolting (flowering) of the plants before they’ve had a chance to mature properly.
Also Read: How Much Water Does Spinach Need to Grow?
5. Fertilizer: An application of compost or manure tea prior to planting will work wonders for your spinach crop as this type of fertilizer will provide essential nutrients that help promote stronger growth and bigger yields of healthier plants that are more resistant to diseases and pests.
Check this out: How to Grow Spinach Microgreens?
How Long Does it Take for Spinach to Grow?
Spinach is a fast-growing crop with a short life cycle of approximately 45-60 days from seed to harvest.
It generally takes 45 to 60 days for spinach plants to reach maturity, depending on the variety.
Most varieties of spinach can be harvested when they are young and tender (at around 30 days) or left until they have fully matured.
To harvest your crop, pick the outer leaves first and leave the inner ones to continue growing; this will prolong your harvest period.
It also needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day and well-drained soil with an acidic pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
For optimal growth, it is important to provide consistent moisture while keeping the soil moist but not soggy in order to avoid root rot or premature bolting (flowering) of the plants.
However, some spinach varieties may take more than 45 days to grow. Also, above mentioned factors like temperature, watering and sun exposure impact the growth of spinach plants.
With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a healthy, fresh supply of home grown spinach for several months.
It’s also a great way to get more nutrient dense vegetables into your diet without spending lots of money at the grocery store.
Also Read: What Causes White Spots on Spinach?
How long does it take for spinach seeds to germinate?
It usually takes 7-14 days for spinach seeds to germinate and then the plants will take 45-60 days to fully grow.
For optimal growth, it is important to provide consistent moisture while keeping the soil moist but not soggy in order to avoid root rot or premature bolting (flowering) of the plants.
How long does it take to harvest spinach?
Once the spinach plants have reached maturity, it takes another 7-10 days to harvest.
During this period, you can start harvesting the outer leaves first and leave the inner ones to continue growing; this will prolong your harvest period.
Make sure to pick spinach before it starts flowering (bolting).
Also Read: Why Are My Spinach Leaves Curling?
Spinach Growth Stages
1. Germination Stage: The germination process begins with the soaking of the spinach seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours, followed by planting them in soil. Depending on the variety, it takes 7-14 days for the seeds to germinate.
2. Early Growth: After germination, the plants will start to put out their first true leaves and begin growing more intensely.
This is a crucial stage when regular watering and good nutrition are important for optimal growth and development of the plants.
3. Vegetative Stage: This is where the true leaves grow out and become taller as the plant matures. Proper weeding, pest control, adequate sunlight (6-8 hours) , temperature between 50F-70F, acidic pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 soil along with timely fertilizer application are essential during this stage for healthy growth of spinach crops.
4. Reproductive Stage: During this stage, flowers start forming on top of long stalks which eventually turn into seed heads as they reach full maturity.
This may take around 45-60 days depending on the variety being grown; however some varieties may take longer up to 80 days or more before they are ready to harvest.
5. Harvesting: Towards the end of this stage you can start harvesting your spinach crop by picking outer leaves first while leaving inner ones to continue growing; thus prolonging your harvest period further! Make sure that you harvest your spinach before it starts flowering (bolting).
Also Read: Why Are My Spinach Leaves Turning Yellow?
Spinach Planting Tips
When planting spinach, it is important to select a variety that’s suited for your climate and growing conditions.
Plant the seeds in well-drained soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil thoroughly so that it is moist and keep it this way until the seeds germinate.
To ensure even germination, opt for succession planting – plant a new batch of seeds every few weeks.
Once the plants have started to grow, make sure to give them plenty of space between rows, allowing at least 3-4 inches between each seedling.
This will help increase air circulation and reduce chances of disease or fungal infection.
For best growth results, provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season while avoiding over-watering which can cause root rot or premature bolting (flowering) of the plants.
Fertilizer application is an important part of spinach growth as well.
A balanced fertilizer with higher nitrogen content should be applied during early growth stages to promote leafy green growth; while phosphorous can be added before flowering stage to promote strong roots and flower development.
Finally, it is important to monitor your spinach crop regularly by checking for signs of pests or diseases such as aphids, downy mildew or black spot which can weaken the plants or affect their yield adversely.
Appropriate pest control measures such as traps or natural predator introduction should be taken immediately upon detection in order to limit further damage.
By following these simple tips you can enjoy a healthy harvest of delicious home grown spinach.
Also Read: How to Get Rid of Rats in Vegetable Garden Naturally?
Conclusion
Growing spinach at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right climate, soil conditions and care, it’s possible to achieve a successful crop in as little as 45-60 days.
However, each variety may take longer so make sure to choose one that is suited for your local environment while keeping an eye out for pests or diseases that may affect your harvest.
With consistent care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of home grown spinach.