Spinach:
New Zealand spinach:
There are two types of spinach, the cool season or broadleaf type and the warm season or New Zealand spinach which is taxonomically different from broadleaf spinach but similar in taste and appearance.
The broadleaf spinach should be planted in early spring, and late summer for the fall garden. Long, hot summer days causes bolting leading to poor leaf quality. It can be grown anywhere in the Midwest. Plant as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Seeds can be broadcasted on frozen ground if soil was prepared in the fall. Plant spinach seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. To provide continuous supply of spinach, make successive plantings at 2 to 3 weeks interval.
New Zealand spinach can thrive in summer. It has good drought and heat tolerance. It is a tender vegetable that should not be planted before the frost-free date. Seeds can be started indoors for transplanting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep.
Broadleaf spinach can be harvested anytime when the leaves are large enough to use but leaves are of good quality when they are in a rosette of at least five leaves (about 6 weeks after planting). Harvest by cutting the plants at or just below soil surface. They can also be harvested by picking outer leaves and retaining younger leaves for future harvest. Harvest the entire plant when seed-stalks are forming.
New Zealand spinach can be harvested by cutting young, tender leaves and tips of shoots when needed. Plants may be cut back to encourage new growth. Harvest until the first freeze in fall.
Broadleaf spinach are direct seeded (12 to 15 seeds per foot of row). After emergence when plants are 1 inch tall, they are thinned so that they are 2-4 inches apart. Thinning is not necessary if the entire plants are to be harvested. The rows should be spaced 12-18 inches apart.
New Zealand spinach are planted 12 inches apart within the row and need adequate space between the rows as plants can spread 2-3 ft across. Seeds can be started indoors for transplanting.
Environmental Damage
Insect Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Insect pests:
Diseases:
