Spinach

Spinach is a perennial vegetable grown across India. It is a very good source of vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. Here is a complete guide on how you can cultivate spinach easily.

  • India

    16 February - 31 March
  • India

    1 September - 31 October
Name of spinach stands on equally with the term “health” as it has excellent nutritional value.
Name of spinach stands on equally with the term “health” as it has excellent nutritional value.

Common name: Spinach/ palak (India)

Botanical name: Spinacia oleraceae

Family: Amaranthaceae

Origin: Persia (Iran)

Introduction:

  • Spinach is grown throughout the world it is perennial leaf vegetable.

  • Name of spinach stands on equally with the term “health” as it has excellent nutritional value.

  • It is very good source of vitamin A and C. It also contains sufficient amount of protein, calcium and iron.

  • Comparatively, it is easy to grow. People grow spinach in pots, containers and in back yards.

  • It is an annual and cross pollinated crop.

  • The leading spinach producing states in India are Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

Climate:

Spinach is a rabi season crop but its cultivation is possible throughout the year with moderate temperature conditions.

  • Leave of spinach is resistant to frost as compare to other crops.

  • Spinach is also tolerant to warm weather but it can affect the productivity and premature bolting would occur.

Soil:

  • We have wide range of variety of soil to cultivate spinach. Available soil should have good fertility and well drainage capacity.

  • However sandy loam soil is comparatively best for the high yield.

  • It is also resistant to slightly alkaline soils.

  • For the best output, soil should have pH ranging from 6.0-7.5.

Sandy loam soil is comparatively best for the high yield of spinach.
Sandy loam soil is comparatively best for the high yield of spinach.

Fertilizer and manure:

Spinach comparatively requires more nitrogen as it is leafy vegetable. It is recommended that the soil must go through a clinical test. This would help to identify the right amount of fertilizers.

  • It is recommended to mix well farm yard manure with phosphorus and half dose of nitrogen during land preparation.

  • Generally, 25 t/ha of farmyard manure is sufficient with 90kg/ha of phosphorous and 30kg/ha of potassium oxide.

  • Another half does of nitrogen should be applied in two divided doses, one after each cutting along with light irrigation.

 

Seed rates:

  • For winter season seed rate: 4 to 6 kg per acre.

  • For summer crop seed rate: 10 to 15 kg per acre.

Land preparation:

  • Land should have soft soil and fine tilth and this can be done when field is being ploughed 5 to 6 times.

  • Land should be weed free and leveled.

  • We can also add micronutrients in case of nutrient deficiency in the soil.

  • Proper irrigated channels should also be made in the field.

First harvesting of Spinach can be done in 25-30 days of sowing.
First harvesting of Spinach can be done in 25-30 days of sowing.

Plant spacing:

Broadcast and line sowing method are generally preferred by the farmers, as it facilitates weeding, harvesting and hoeing.

  • Required space for row to row: 25-35cm.

  • Required space for plant to plant: 10-12cm.

  • Required depth for plantation: 1.5-2.0cm.

Variety:

There are three main varieties of spinach- savoy, semi-spinach and flat leafed spinach. Each of these varieties has their own sub-varieties mentioned below:

variety

Sub-variety

Features

Savoy spinach

Blooms dale, Regiment

Wavy leaf, dull green in color, marginally harsh flavor.

Semi-savoy spinach

Tyee, Catalina

Semi-creased leaves, utilized in cooking.

Flat-leafed spinach

Space spinach, red carnival

Smooth and level leaves, delicate surface, marginally sweet flavor.

Irrigation:

  • In cultivation of spinach, irrigation should be based on availability of moisture in the soil. Climatic conditions also play important role.

  • Spinach crop should be irrigated at 10-12 days of interval in the winter season.

  • Process of irrigation is not much required in the rainy season

Harvesting:

  • Time of harvesting depends upon the adopted variety, soil and climatic conditions.

  • Generally first cutting can be done in 25-30 days of sowing.

  • Subsequent cutting can be done at interval of 20-25 days, depending on the variety of the spinach.

Yield:

Quality and quantity of the crop depends on the variety and adopted management practices. On an average 60-80 quintal/ha can be expected.

FactCheck in Agriculture Project

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