Quick planting window
| Start indoors | Not recommended; sow seeds directly instead |
|---|---|
| Transplant | Not recommended; sow seeds directly to avoid root disturbance |
| Sow seeds | February to March |
| Estimated harvest | March to April |
| Risk | Low risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Spinach is a reasonable spring choice for California if you adjust for your local microclimate.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
42
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Spinach growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun in cool weather; light shade as temperatures rise.
Soil
Fertile soil with steady moisture.
Spacing
3-6 inches for baby leaves; wider for mature plants.
Container
Good in window boxes and shallow containers.
Watering
Do not let seedlings dry out.
Common mistake
Waiting until warm weather to sow.
Beginner tip
Use spring and fall windows instead of midsummer.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | February to March | March to April | September to October | November to December |
| New York | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Texas | February to March | March to April | September to October | October to November |
| Washington | March to April | May to June | August to September | October |
| New Jersey | March to April | May to June | August to September | October |
| Florida | December to January | February to March | October to November | December |
| North Carolina | February to March | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Georgia | February to March | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Illinois | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Ohio | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Pennsylvania | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Michigan | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Arizona | January to February | March to April | September to October | November to December |
| Oregon | March to April | April to May | August to September | October |
| Massachusetts | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Minnesota | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Virginia | March to April | April to May | August to September | October to November |
| Colorado | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Tennessee | February to March | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Missouri | March to April | April to May | August to September | October |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start spinach indoors?
Spinach is usually not worth starting indoors; outdoor sowing is more practical.
Can I sow spinach outdoors?
Spinach can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about February to March.
When should I transplant spinach?
Spinach is not usually transplanted because root disturbance can hurt establishment.
How long does spinach take to harvest?
Spinach is listed at about 42 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is spinach container friendly?
Yes. Good in window boxes and shallow containers.
What is the most common spinach mistake?
Waiting until warm weather to sow.
Is spinach better in spring or fall?
Both spring and fall can work in many states, but fall timing should count backward from the first frost date.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.