UK sowing calendar
When to sow spinach in the UK
Spinach sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | n/a (best sown direct) |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Feb-May; Aug-Sep (winter types) |
| Harvest | May-Apr |
Usually direct-sown; summer cultivars from Feb-May (early ones under fleece/cloche), hardy winter cultivars in Aug-Sep to crop Oct-Apr. Prefers cool 15-20C and bolts in hot, dry spells, so keep moist and give light summer shade.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for spinach.
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When to sow spinach in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow spinach in the UK?
Sow spinach outdoors feb-may; aug-sep (winter types). Usually direct-sown; summer cultivars from Feb-May (early ones under fleece/cloche), hardy winter cultivars in Aug-Sep to crop Oct-Apr. Prefers cool 15-20C and bolts in hot, dry spells, so keep moist and give light summer shade.
Can you sow spinach outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant spinach outdoors feb-may; aug-sep (winter types). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is spinach ready to harvest in the UK?
Spinach is typically harvested May-Apr in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow spinach?
It depends on the month and your region. Spinach has a UK outdoor window of feb-may; aug-sep (winter types); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.