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Spinach Microgreens

Spinacia oleracea

Fast-growing medium-green leaves are smooth to slightly savoyed.

Harvest

25d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Spinach Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

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Spinach Microgreens · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

SpacingDense seeding, no spacing needed

SoilFine potting mix or seed starting blend

pH6.5-7.5

WaterBottom watering preferred, keep soil moist but not soggy

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorMild, clean, and slightly sweet with no bitterness

ColorBright to dark green leaves with pale green stems

Size2-3 inch tall with first true leaves beginning

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Spiny husk (utricle).

Color: Brown/Copper, Cream/Tan. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked. Harvest only as needed as fresh leaves only keep in the refrigerator for a few days. Freeze for longer storage.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh spinach microgreens are highly perishable and should be used within 3-5 days of harvest for best quality. Store unwashed microgreens in the refrigerator between 35-40°F in a breathable container—plastic clamshells with ventilation holes work perfectly. Place a paper towel in the bottom to absorb excess moisture.

For slightly longer storage, gently wash and thoroughly dry the microgreens before refrigerating. Never store wet microgreens as they'll quickly develop mold and decay.

Freezing isn't recommended for fresh consumption as it destroys the delicate texture, but frozen spinach microgreens work well blended into smoothies. Simply spread clean, dry microgreens on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.

Dehydrating is another preservation option—use the lowest temperature setting (95°F) and dry until crispy. Store dried microgreens in airtight containers for up to 6 months. These work well as seasoning powders or smoothie additions.

History & Origin

Origin: Central Asia to SW. Siberia

Advantages

+Edible: Leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked. Harvest only as needed as fresh leaves only keep in the refrigerator for a few days. Freeze for longer storage.
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Flowers, Leaves, Stems): Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lettuce

Similar growing requirements and harvest timing, efficient space utilization

Radish Microgreens

Compatible growth rates and helps break up soil compaction

Arugula Microgreens

Similar cool-season preferences and harvest schedule

Pea Shoots

Nitrogen fixation benefits spinach growth and similar moisture needs

Chives

Natural pest deterrent against aphids and thrips

Cilantro

Attracts beneficial insects and has similar growing conditions

Kale Microgreens

Compatible brassica family with similar nutrient and light requirements

Mint

Repels ants and rodents that may damage microgreen trays

Keep Apart

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit spinach germination and growth

Sunflower Microgreens

Produces allelopathic substances that can stunt spinach growth

Buckwheat Microgreens

Aggressive growth can overshadow and compete with slower-growing spinach

Nutrition Facts

Calories

69kcal(3%)

Protein

1.5g(3%)

Fiber

5.3g(19%)

Carbs

17.6g(6%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

54.1mg(60%)

Vitamin A

5mcg(1%)

Iron

1.61mg(9%)

Calcium

8mg(1%)

Potassium

304mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167782)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Downy Mildew races 1-3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19 (High)

Common Pests

Aphids, leaf miners (rare indoors)

Diseases

Damping off, downy mildew in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do spinach microgreens take to grow?▼

Spinach microgreens typically take 10-14 days from sowing to harvest. The exact timing depends on growing conditions—cooler temperatures (60-65°F) may extend growth to 14 days, while warmer conditions (65-70°F) can speed harvest to 10 days. They're ready when cotyledons are fully expanded and first true leaves begin emerging.

Do I need to soak spinach seeds before planting microgreens?▼

Yes, soaking spinach seeds for 12-24 hours in cool water significantly improves germination rates. Spinach seeds have a tough outer coat that benefits from pre-soaking. This step is crucial for successful spinach microgreen production and shouldn't be skipped, unlike some other microgreen varieties that don't require soaking.

Can you regrow spinach microgreens after cutting?▼

No, spinach microgreens cannot regrow after harvesting. Unlike pea shoots or wheatgrass, spinach microgreens are harvested by cutting the stems above the growing medium, which removes the growing point. For continuous harvests, you'll need to start new trays every 7-10 days rather than expecting regrowth from cut plants.

What do spinach microgreens taste like?▼

Spinach microgreens have a mild, clean, and slightly sweet flavor without the bitterness often found in mature spinach. They lack the oxalate compounds that create the sometimes sharp taste in full-grown spinach leaves, making them appealing even to those who typically avoid spinach. The flavor is concentrated but pleasant and versatile.

Are spinach microgreens good for beginners?▼

Spinach microgreens are considered moderate difficulty for beginners. While not the easiest microgreen to start with (try pea shoots or radish first), they're manageable with attention to proper watering and the essential seed-soaking step. The main challenges are avoiding overwatering and maintaining consistent moisture without creating soggy conditions.

Can you grow spinach microgreens without soil?▼

Yes, spinach microgreens can be grown hydroponically using growing mats, coconut coir, or other soilless media. Many commercial growers use hemp mats or coconut fiber successfully. The key is providing adequate drainage and maintaining consistent moisture. Avoid pure hydroponic solutions as these young plants don't require additional nutrients beyond what's stored in the seed.