Picking (harvesting) Spinach

Depending on your desired leaf-size and tenderness spinach can be harvested at any stage. Many of the different spinach varieties will be ready for you to harvest anywhere between 40 to 50 days after seeding. The smaller the plants the more tender they will be. It is very important to make sure to harvest spinach before the plant starts to bolt or make a flower shoot.

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Spinach can easily be harvested two or three times if only the leaves are cut. This will force new leaves to form from the center or the plant. Cutting the outside leaves about half way down the stem is the best method. If the entire plant is cut at the soil level, new leaves will not form. You should only cut spinach when dry and then immediately refrigerate in an airtight container or plastic bag to preserve freshness. Do not store spinach wet or it will quickly deteriorate.

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