Spinacia oleracea 'Space'
vegetableSpace is a vigorous smooth-leaf F1 hybrid spinach with dark green, slightly spoon-shaped leaves on upright plants. Bred for rapid growth, cold tolerance, strong downy mildew resistance, and slow bolting, it is a true three-season variety that performs equally well in spring, fall, and overwintered crops. The smooth leaves wash quickly and are favored for salads.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~41 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
3-4 in. apart
Planting Depth
Seed 1/2 in. deep
Soil pH
6.5-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, moist, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 2 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At sowing and again when plants are 2 in. tall
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 side-dress
Direct sow Space 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost and again in late summer; spinach prefers cool soil between 45 and 70F to germinate. Sow seed 1/2 inch deep and thin to 3 to 4 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, as drought triggers bolting. Apply a nitrogen side-dressing when plants are about 2 inches tall, then again at midseason. In hot climates, succession-sow every two weeks during cool windows for a continuous harvest.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 11
Transplant outdoors
Mar 18
Projected first harvest
Apr 28
fall planting
Direct sow
Sep 15
Projected first harvest
Oct 26
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Cover early-spring seedlings with floating row cover to keep the egg-laying flies off
Hose off colonies, plant alyssum nearby, and support ladybugs and lacewings
Use traps or grit barriers in the cool damp conditions slugs prefer
Space is bred with strong downy mildew resistance; still give plants airflow and water at the base in the morning
Pick baby leaves at about 37 days when leaves are 3 to 4 inches across, or wait to about 51 days for full-size leaves. The smooth Space leaves are easy to wash and are the spinach to choose when you mostly eat raw salad. Cut-and-come-again works for several harvests; once a center stalk starts to elongate the plant is bolting.
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, very rich in vitamin K (about 483 mcg per 100 g raw, well above a full daily value), folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, and magnesium. Smooth-leaf varieties like Space are easier to wash thoroughly and are the natural choice for raw salads; cooking reduces its oxalate content.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting