Spinacia oleracea

Spinacia oleracea (spinach) — a fast, nutritious leaf that travelled from ancient Persia across the world. The botanical home of our spinach range.

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Spinacia oleracea — spinach

Spinacia oleracea is the botanical name for spinach, a fast, nutritious leafy annual in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Tender and quick from seed, it is the species behind our whole spinach range within the leafy greens collection.

History & origin

Spinach originated in ancient Persia (modern Iran), from where it was carried east to Nepal and then to China — introduced there in the 7th century as the “Persian vegetable.” It reached Europe later, brought to Spain by the Moors around the 11th and 12th centuries, and spread north to become a staple leaf. By the Renaissance spinach was well established, and it was famously said to be a favourite of Catherine de' Medici.

Its name comes from the medieval Latin spinacia — likely a reference to the prickly seeds of older varieties — with oleracea meaning edible, “of the vegetable garden.”

Botanical characteristics

Spinach forms a rosette of smooth or crinkled (savoy) dark green leaves and, in long summer days or drought, quickly bolts to flower. Cool weather and short days suit it best, which is why spring and autumn are its seasons. Sown thickly and cut young it is one of our quickest fast-growing vegetables; in the kitchen garden it pairs naturally with lettuce and other salad leaves.

Growing Spinacia oleracea from seed

Sow direct in the cooler halves of the year — spring and late summer into autumn — to dodge the heat that triggers bolting. Keep the soil moist and rich, pick regularly, and choose bolt-resistant varieties for late-spring sowings. Hardy types crop on under a cloche through winter. Our vegetable sowing calendar and watering guide keep it tender.

Ready to grow spinach? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Spinach · Leafy Greens · Lettuce · Fast-Growing Veg · All Vegetables

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spinacia oleracea?
It is the botanical name for spinach, a fast-growing leafy annual.

Where does spinach originate?
From ancient Persia (Iran), spreading east to China and west into Europe.

Why does my spinach bolt?
Heat and long summer days trigger it — sow in spring and autumn and keep the soil moist.

Can I grow baby-leaf spinach?
Yes — sow thickly and cut the leaves young.

When do I sow spinach?
In the cooler seasons, mainly spring and late summer.