Growing spinach: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant spinach in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Spinach: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 40–70°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): seed March 6 – March 27; fall planting August 6 – August 27. First picking around April 27 – May 25.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): seed February 18 – March 11; fall planting August 20 – September 10. First picking around April 11 – May 9.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): seed January 25 – February 15; fall planting September 13 – October 4. First picking around March 18 – April 15.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): seed January 7 – January 28; fall planting September 29 – October 20. First picking around February 28 – March 28.
Setting it up
Direct-seed in the field. Space plants 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, about 0.5 inch deep. Expect roughly 45 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Germination stalls above 75°F. Direct-seed while soil is still cool for both spring and fall crops.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: excellent — Spinach is well suited to Zone 6b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Spinach is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Spinach is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.