🌱 How to Grow Spinach (Palak) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: पालक

• Tamil: கீரை (பாலக் கீரை)

• Telugu: పాలకూర

• Malayalam: ചീര

• Kannada: ಪಾಲಕ್ ಸೊಪ್ಪು

• English: Spinach

• Botanical name: Spinacia oleracea

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season leafy crop

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring: February to March

  • Autumn: September to November

• Avoid hot summers — spinach bolts (goes to seed) in heat

• Ideal temperature: 15°C to 25°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure before sowing

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 2–3 inches between plants, 12–18 inches between rows

  • Pots: Use 8–10 inch deep containers, sow 6–8 seeds evenly spaced

• Water lightly after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy

• Water every 1–2 days in dry weather

• Avoid overwatering — can cause root rot

5. Germination

• Seeds sprout in 7–14 days

• Thin seedlings to maintain 4–6 inches spacing between healthy plants

• Ensure good air circulation

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight per day

• Prefers cool temperatures (15°C to 25°C)

• In hot areas, grow under partial shade

7. Fertilization

• Add compost every 3–4 weeks

• Optional: Use a mild nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer once after 3–4 weeks

• Avoid overfeeding — excess nitrogen can cause bitter taste

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, leaf miners

• Use organic neem oil spray every 10–15 days

• Keep area weed-free and well-aerated

9. Harvesting

• Ready in 4–6 weeks

• Start picking outer leaves regularly

• For full harvest, cut the plant just above the soil level

• Harvest early in the morning for best taste and freshness

10. Regrow Tip

• Leave root base in soil and water gently

• May regrow smaller leaves for a second light harvest

🥬 Health Benefits of Spinach (Palak)

• Rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin K, A, C

• Supports bone health, immunity, and digestion

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

• Great for skin, hair, and eye health

• Low in calories — perfect for weight management