Fordhook Giant
A reliable leafy type with broad, tender green leaves and good regrowth.
When to plant Perpetual Spinach in Cambridge
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Leaf Beet Group)
A hardy cut-and-come-again leaf beet that grows well in most UK gardens. Sow in succession from spring to mid-summer for steady picks through autumn and into winter with light protection.
40 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
16 Apr to 4 Sept Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow from 16th April to 4th September. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.
- Slugs go for seedlings. Check the row after rain.
02
Thin Seedlings
30 Apr to 2 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, thin to apart.
03
Protect From Pests
30 Apr to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, hand-pick slugs and snails, especially after rain. Fleece is for birds. Keep this up through 16th October.
04
Water Regularly
16 Apr to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, water in hot, dry weather from 16th April through 19th October.
05
Harvest Leaves
11 Jun to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, pick outer leaves from 11th June and leave the centre. Keep picking through 2nd November.
- A cloche from autumn can keep plants picking later.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Perpetual Spinach to consider
Bright Lights
A colourful strain with stems in red, gold, orange and white. Leaves are picked young for best texture.
Lucullus
A classic green leaf beet with a mild flavour and steady cut-and-come-again growth.
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Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest September to February. Frost risk October to May.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
Perpetual Spinach guides by town
See how Perpetual Spinach timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.