When to plant spinach
Short answer
Plant spinach about 5 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Mar 11. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | Jan 1 | Jan 25 |
| Zone 2 | — | Jan 11 | Feb 25 |
| Zone 3 | — | Feb 3 | Mar 20 |
| Zone 4 | — | Feb 23 | Apr 9 |
| Zone 5 | — | Mar 11 | Apr 25 |
| Zone 6 | — | Mar 26 | May 10 |
| Zone 7 | — | Apr 10 | May 25 |
| Zone 8 | — | Apr 27 | Jun 11 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Spinach is a hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant spinach?
Sow spinach directly about 5 weeks before your last spring frost — it tolerates cold. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Feb 23; in a colder zone 6, Mar 26.
Can I direct sow spinach?
Yes — spinach is usually sown directly in the garden rather than started indoors.
How long until spinach is ready to harvest?
About 45 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around Mar 26 are typically ready near May 10.