GardenHow to grow spinach (palak)
पालक. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary, September to November
South and coastal IndiaSeptember to November
HillsMarch to August
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 1 cm
- Spacing
- Rows 15 to 20 cm apart
- In a pot
- Any box or pot 15 to 20 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- 5 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 30 to 40 days, then a cutting every two to three weeks
- Sun
- Light shade is fine; 3 to 4 hours of sun are enough
Tips from the garden
- Cut the leaves about 3 cm above the soil and leave the crown. The plant grows back for four or five cuttings.
- Palak tolerates light shade, so it suits balconies that get only three or four hours of sun.
- Feed with a little compost after every cutting.
What can go wrong
In warm weather the plant sends up a seed stalk and the leaves turn small. That is the end of the crop: pull it out and sow a summer green such as amaranth.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is spinach sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for spinach are February, September to November.
How long does spinach take to grow?
Usually 30 to 40 days, then a cutting every two to three weeks.
Can spinach be grown in a pot?
Yes. Any box or pot 15 to 20 cm deep.