Varieties

Fall

• Melody (DM1-3,CMV)
• Whale (DM 1-7)
• Samish (DM 1-4)
• Tyee (DM 1-30)
• Space (DM 1-3)
  

Spring

• Tyee (DM 1-30)
• Unipak (CMV, DM)
• Spinner (DM 1-4)
• Melody (DM 1-2, CMV)

CMV: Cucumber Mosaic Virus resistant
DM: Downy Mildew resistant

Spacing and Seeding

Desired plant stand is 6 to 8 plants per foot of row and 12” between rows. This requires 8 to 10 lbs of seed per acre (1/2 to 1 oz per 100 feet of row). Seed 1/4” to 1/2” deep depending on soil moisture and temperature. Deeper planting is suggested in a warm dry soil. Growers should attempt to seed to a stand as thinning is generally not recommended.

Lime

Apply lime according to soil test results to maintain soil pH at 6.5 to 6.8. Soils with low pH will result in slow growth and chlorotic leaves.

Fertilizer

Because of sensitivity to magnesium deficiency, older spinach leaves may tend to show yellow color similar to a nitrogen deficiency. Low levels of magnesium in the soil can be corrected by using high magnesium lime (dolomitic) or by adding magnesium to the fertilizer. Do not automatically apply more nitrogen to try to develop the desired deep green color. Rather make a topical application of 10 to 15 lb magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) in 100 gal water. Spray to wet the foliage.

If magnesium was deficient, you will see a color change to dark green overnight. Spinach will accumulate excess nitrates if nitrogen is used in an attempt to induce green color. It is always best to check for magnesium problems before applying extra nitrogen if plants have chlorotic pale green color or yellow lower leaves.

Promote efficient nitrogen use by sidedressing nitrogen when crop need is apparent. Avoid putting fertilizer directly onto crop foliage.

Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if manure or legume sod was plowed down (see nitrogen credits).

Harvest

Spinach can be harvested from 37 to 45 days after seeding. The entire plant can be cut off just above ground level when there are five to six leaves. Higher yields result when plants have 10 to 12 leaves.

Spinach is sometimes field packed loose into crates or cartons averaging 18 lb net. Whole plants are sometimes bunched, like carrots, when going directly to retail markets. Spinach is usually washed before being marketed. Spinach should be kept cool and shaded after harvest. Spinach harvested early in the day, then iced will have a much better shelf life. Storage life is 10 to 14 days. Package as bushel baskets or crates containing 20 to 25 lb, cartons or wire-bound crates with 2 dozen bunches each, or 12 film bags (10 oz per bag) in a master carton.