When to Plant Fall Spinach: Zone Dates and How to Harvest
Sow fall spinach 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost. August in the north, September in zone 7, October in zone 8. Harvest outer leaves at 4 to 6 inches.
Published by ThriveThyme
spinach fall planting harvest
When to Plant Fall Spinach
Sow fall spinach 4 to 6 weeks before your first frost so plants size up in cool weather. Spinach germinates poorly above about 75 F soil, so in August you may need to sow in the evening, water to cool the bed, or start indoors. Fall spinach is sweeter and slower to bolt than spring spinach.
See the spinach plant page.
Dates by Zone
- Zones 3 to 5: Sow in August.
- Zone 6: Sow late August to early September.
- Zone 7: Sow in September.
- Zone 8: Sow late September to October.
- Zones 9 to 10: Sow from October through winter.
Space plants about 4 to 6 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist.
How to Harvest
Cut outer leaves at 4 to 6 inches, or shear the whole plant 1 inch up for a second flush. Harvest before a hard freeze, or cover with row cover (a light garden fabric). In zone 7 and warmer, spinach often overwinters and flushes again in early spring.
Next Steps
If soil is still hot, sow a small indoor tray and transplant in 2 to 3 weeks. Otherwise sow directly and keep the bed damp. Pair with fall lettuce and fall kale.