When to plant Perpetual Spinach in Nottingham

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 Nottingham · last frost ≈ 20 Apr

Sow outdoors March to September, harvest May to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    30 Mar to 23 Sept Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow from 30th March to 23rd September. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.

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

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    13 Apr to 21 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, thin to apart.

  3. 03

    Protect From Pests

    13 Apr to 4 Nov 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 4th November.

  4. 04

    Water Regularly

    30 Mar to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, water in hot, dry weather from 30th March through 7th November.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    25 May to 21 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, pick outer leaves from 25th May and leave the centre. Keep picking through 21st November.

    • 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.