Olympia spinach is a versatile, medium-green variety with smooth, elongated oval leaves. Known for its high yields and multi-cut capability, it is well-suited for both early spring and late summer growing seasons. Its resistance to downy mildew ensures healthier crops, and the leaves' mild flavor and tender texture make Olympia an excellent choice for salads, smoothies, and cooking.
Spinach Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow spinach seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 4–6 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer to early fall.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Spinach prefers cool temperatures and well-draining, fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Spinach grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall to give each plant room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start spinach seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50–65°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 40°F and the plants have 2–3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 4–6 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Spinach
- Sunlight: Provide full sun in cooler weather or partial shade in warmer weather. Spinach thrives in cool temperatures and may bolt (go to seed) in hot weather.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Fertilizing: Spinach is a light feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks to encourage leafy growth.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest spinach leaves when they are 4–6 inches long, cutting outer leaves first and allowing the inner leaves to grow. For a full harvest, cut the entire plant just above the soil line.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest.
