When to plant Perpetual Spinach in the UK

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
Sow outdoors April to September, harvest June to November.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    mid-April to early September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow from mid-April to early September. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.

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

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    late April to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, thin to apart.

  3. 03

    Protect From Pests

    late April to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 mid-October.

  4. 04

    Water Regularly

    mid-April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, water in hot, dry weather from mid-April through late October.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    early June to early November UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, pick outer leaves from early June and leave the centre. Keep picking through early 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.