When to plant Perpetual Spinach in Edinburgh

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Leaf Beet Group)

Perpetual Spinach
Perpetual Spinach · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Edinburgh · average last frost around 4 May

Sow outdoors April to September, harvest June to October. Typical frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    13 Apr to 1 Sept Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow from 13th April to 1st September. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.

    • Slugs go for seedlings. Check the row after rain.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    27 Apr to 29 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, thin to apart.

  3. 03

    Protect From Pests

    27 Apr to 13 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, hand-pick slugs and snails, especially after rain. Fleece is for birds. Keep this up through 13th October.

  4. 04

    Water Regularly

    13 Apr to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, water in hot, dry weather from 13th April through 16th October.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    8 Jun to 30 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, pick outer leaves from 8th June and leave the centre. Keep picking through 30th October.

    • A cloche from autumn can keep plants picking later.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Perpetual Spinach to consider

Fordhook Giant

A reliable leafy type with broad, tender green leaves and good regrowth.

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.

Perpetual Spinach guides by town

See how Perpetual Spinach timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.