Spinach is most often misunderstood in South Africa. We commonly call Swiss chard spinach, when in fact, they are two entirely different crops. True spinach is most often sold in SA shops as “baby spinach.”

Spinach is a quick-growing, cool-season crop that prefers well-improved soils and high moisture levels. Plant in late summer as the soil temps start to drop, or in early spring for a baby leaf crop. Spinach does not tolerate high summer temperatures. If planting in mid-summer, then cool the seeds for 3 days in the fridge before planting.