Can spinach regrow after harvesting?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Spinach plants have a natural capacity to regenerate after harvest due to a specialized basal meristem tissue. This is what makes it possible to have many harvests from the same plant if proper techniques are followed. Proper cutting preserves the growth crown and will promote new leaf growth in as little as a few days.
Harvest Technique
- Cut outer leaves 0.5 inch above crown
- Use sterilized scissors for clean cuts
- Target mature leaves 3-4 inches long
- Avoid damaging central growing point
Recovery Care
- Water deeply immediately after harvesting
- Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer within 24 hours
- Protect plants from direct sun for 48 hours
- Monitor for pest activity on fresh cuts
Timing has a significant influence on regrowth success. Harvesting should occur in the early morning hours when plants are at their most hydrated state. This reduces stress to the plants and enhances their ability to recover. Throughout the growing season, avoid harvesting during heatwaves or drought conditions, as this can diminish the chances of regeneration.
Keep your plants well cared for in between harvests with consistently moist soil and monthly feeds. Container spinach will require more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Every three weeks, add liquid fish emulsion fertilizer to your containers to give optimum nitrogen levels for dependable growth that supports rapid regrowth.
From healthy plants, anticipate three to five harvests in eight weeks; regrowth will slow if temperatures are above 75°F. If new leaves appear to be smaller than after harvesting, replace plant(s) to increase productivity. Succession planting (replacing a crop with another in the same area/space) will help maintain harvests over time.
Read the full article: How to Grow Spinach in Containers Successfully
