Getting your spinach planting time right in Texas is the single most important step for a great harvest. If you want crisp, sweet leaves instead of a bitter, bolted mess, timing is everything. This guide breaks down the optimal planting times for spinach across Texas’s diverse climate zones.
Spinach is a cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures. It bolts, or goes to seed, quickly when the days get long and hot. Your goal is to grow it during the cool periods of the year. In Texas, that means we primarily grow it in the fall and spring, with winter harvests in warmer regions.
When To Plant Spinach In Texas – Optimal Planting Times For
The best planting times depend entirely on where you live in the state. Texas has multiple climate zones, from the panhandle to the gulf coast. Let’s break it down by region.
Fall Planting: Your Main Season
For most Texans, fall is the premier spinach season. The soil is still warm from summer, which helps seeds germinate quickly. As the plants grow, temperatures cool down, creating perfect conditions for leafy growth.
- North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth): Plant from late September through mid-October. You can often get a continuous harvest through winter with protection.
- Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio): Aim for mid-October through early November. The slightly warmer winters here are ideal.
- South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi): Plant from late October through December. Your main harvest will be in winter.
- West Texas & Panhandle (Lubbock, Amarillo): Shoot for early to mid-September. Frost comes early here, so get them in the ground sooner.
Spring Planting: A Tricky Second Chance
Spring planting is more challenging because the plants race against quickly rising heat. You need to plant as early as the soil can be worked.
- North & West Texas: Plant as soon as the soil is no longer frozen, typically late February to early March.
- Central Texas: Plant in late January to early February. Using row cover can protect from late frosts.
- South Texas: You can plant in January. Choose bolt-resistant varieties for the best chance of success.
Using a Soil Thermometer
The best tool for perfect timing is a simple soil thermometer. Spinach seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. If you plant when soil is above 70°F, germination rates drop significantly.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your date, follow these steps for a successful crop.
1. Choose the Right Variety
Select varieties suited for Texas heat. Some excellent choices include:
- Bloomsdale: Savoyed (crinkly) leaves, great flavor, some bolt resistance.
- Tyee: A superb semi-savoy hybrid known for its slow bolting.
- Melody: Smooth-leaved, very productive, and disease resistant.
- Space: A smooth leaf type that’s perfect for baby spinach and grows well in containers.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Spinach needs fertile, well-draining soil. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.5 to 7.0). A light application of a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time helps.
3. Planting Seeds Correctly
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil.
- Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
- You can also broadcast seeds over a wide row or bed and thin later.
- Water the seedbed gently but thoroughly and keep it consistently moist until seedlings emerge, usually in 5-14 days.
4. Thinning and Spacing
Once seedlings have their first true leaves, thin them so they are 3-6 inches apart. Crowded plants will compete for nutrients and bolt faster. Don’t throw those thinnings away—they make a tasty addition to a salad!
Care Through the Season
Consistent care is key to preventing bitterness and bolting.
Watering Needs
Spinach has shallow roots and needs consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually 1-2 times per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cooler.
Fertilizing for Growth
About 3-4 weeks after planting, side-dress your plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This could be compost tea, blood meal, or a balanced organic fertilizer. This gives them a boost for strong leaf production.
Managing Pests and Disease
Common issues in Texas include:
- Aphids: Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Leafminers: Look for squiggly lines on leaves. Remove affected leaves promptly. Floating row cover placed over the seedbed at planting prevents the adult flies from laying eggs.
- Downy Mildew: Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation. Plant resistant varieties like ‘Tyee’.
Harvesting Your Spinach
You can start harvesting whenever leaves are big enough to eat.
- Baby Spinach: Harvest outer leaves when they are about 2-3 inches long.
- Full-Size Leaves: For mature leaves, wait until they are 4-6 inches long. Always harvest the larger outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Cut-and-Come-Again: You can cut the whole plant about an inch above the soil crown. If the roots are healthy, it will often produce a second, smaller flush of growth.
Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. If a hard freeze is forcasted, harvest your spinach beforehand, as frozen leaves can become mushy when they thaw.
FAQ: Texas Spinach Planting
Can you grow spinach in Texas winter?
Yes! In Central, South, and coastal Texas, spinach grows beautifully through the winter. In North Texas, use a cold frame or heavy mulch to protect plants from hard freezes for extended harvests.
What is the latest you can plant spinach in Texas?
For a fall crop, the latest planting date is about 6-8 weeks before your first average hard frost. This gives plants enough time to mature. For spring, the latest date is about 4-6 weeks before daytime temperatures consistently exceed 75°F.
Why did my spinach bolt immediately?
Bolting is caused by long daylight hours and warm temperatures. Planting too late in spring is the most common culprit. Stress from underwatering or poor soil can also trigger it prematurely.
Can I plant spinach from transplants?
You can, but direct seeding is generally better. Spinach has a sensitive taproot that doesn’t always transplant well. If you do use transplants, start them in biodegradable pots and handle them very carefully to avoid root disturbance.
How do I save spinach seed for next year?
Let a few of your best plants bolt and flower. The flowers will turn into seed pods. Once the pods are dry and brown, cut the stalks, place them in a paper bag, and let them finish drying indoors. Then crush the pods to collect the seeds. Store in a cool, dry place.