Spinacia oleracea aka Spinach

Taxonomy

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranth family, native to central and western Asia. It can be grown at home in containers or beds and tolerates areas too shady for most other vegetables to thrive. Growing best in moist, rich, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade, Spinach is sensitive to the increasing day length and heat that comes with summer. Its smooth dark green leaves offer plenty of vitamins and are used in most world cuisines. It may be eaten cooked or raw, and the taste differs considerably; the high oxalate content may be reduced by steaming. In 2018, world production of spinach was 26.3 million tonnes, with China alone accounting for 90% of the total. Spinach is a go-to green for all sorts of dishes: from juicy green salads to crispy fried. It is also a fast-growing plant that will help you become a green thumb.

Common names

Spinach, Spinash, Spinach [Plant]

How to care for Spinach

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Spinach, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Spinach should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spinach loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Spinach requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spinash is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Spinach plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Spinach is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Spinach as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Spinach’s native range is The origin of this plant is uncertain, it probably arose in S.W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia