When to Plant Spinach in Perth — Mediterranean Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
True spinach (English spinach) is a cool-season annual prized for its tender, dark green leaves. It is one of the most nutritious leafy greens but also one of the most temperamental to grow in Australian conditions. It bolts rapidly in heat and long day-lengths, making it primarily an autumn-winter-early spring crop across most of Australia. Understanding this limitation is key to successful growing.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 4–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Spinach in Mediterranean Australia
When to Plant
February-May (autumn) and August-September. Cool wet winters are excellent for spinach.
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained soil heavily enriched with compost and well-rotted manure. Spinach is a heavy feeder that demands fertile soil.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun in cool weather. Part shade beneficial in all but the coldest zones. Shade delays bolting.
- Spacing
- 20cm apart, 30cm between rows
- Watering
- Consistent moisture essential. Light, frequent watering keeps soil evenly moist. Drought stress triggers bolting. Morning watering. Drip irrigation ideal.
Companion plants: Strawberry, Pea, Bean, Celery, Cauliflower, Radish
Avoid planting near: Beetroot (same family; shared pests and diseases)
Mediterranean Growing Tips for Spinach
Recommended Varieties
- Bloomsdale Long Standing
- Viroflay
- Winter Giant
- Matador
Key Challenges
- Summer heat prevents growing November-February
- Downy mildew in cool wet conditions
Pro Tips
- Perth/Adelaide cool seasons are excellent for spinach
- Exploit winter rainfall for minimal irrigation needs
- Autumn sowing grows beautifully through Mediterranean winter
Harvesting Spinach
When ready: Baby spinach: leaves 5-8cm (3-4 weeks). Full size: leaves 15-20cm (6-8 weeks). Leaves should be dark green, firm, and glossy. Harvest before any sign of flower stalk elongation.
How to harvest: Cut-and-come-again: cut outer leaves at base, leaving inner leaves and growing point. Or cut entire plant 3cm above ground for one large harvest (may regrow once). Harvest in cool of morning.
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