How to Grow Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet)
Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) is a cool-season cut-and-come-again crop closely related to chard, but with narrower stems and smoother leaves that cook more like spinach. Unlike true spinach it rarely bolts, making it productive across spring, summer, and into winter. Sow direct or under cover in spring, or again in late summer for an autumn–winter harvest. Space at 23 cm and keep soil evenly moist. Harvest outer leaves at 15–20 cm, leaving the crown to reshoot. Feed every 2–3 weeks and mulch to retain moisture. Protect seedlings from slugs and leaf miners. In cold regions a cloche or fleece extends harvest through winter. One of the easiest and most rewarding leafy greens.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every 2–3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Related to chard but with narrower stems and smoother leaves. Far more bolt-resistant than true spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and productive over a longer season.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 8–24°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 23 cm |
| Row spacing | 38 cm |
| Sow depth | 2 cm |
| Mature height | 40 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Allows good air circulation for cut-and-come-again harvesting. Can be sown more closely and thinned, using thinnings as baby greens.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 8–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet)?
- Plant Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) 23cm apart with 38cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet)?
- Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) is ready to harvest approximately 40 days after transplanting.
- Is Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) frost hardy?
- Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) is classified as Hardy.
