Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Annual Biennial

Spinacia oleracea 'Missouri'

spinach 'Missouri'

A fast growing leafy biennial harvested in its first year as baby or mature leaves, suitable for quick container crops; it is slow to bolt

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Spinacia are annual or biennial herbaceous plants, usually dioecious, with upright stems and smooth leaves that are ovate or triangular. Edible species are cultivated for their leaves (spinach)

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Does best on fertile soil rich in organic matter with a steady moisture supply. Winter crops need a sunny position, summer crops benefit from a little shade. Sow from February (under fleece or cloches) to the end of May. See spinach cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and/or pigeons

Diseases

May be susceptible to spinach downy mildew

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.