How to Grow Spinach Indoors (Fresh Leaves Year-Round)

Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that grows quickly and doesn’t need much space. The best part? You can grow spinach indoors and enjoy a steady supply of fresh leaves all year long — even in the middle of winter. This beginner-friendly guide will show you how to grow spinach indoors for healthy harvests whenever you need them.

Why Grow Spinach Indoors?

Spinach is one of the easiest and fastest crops you can grow inside.

• Year-round harvests: No waiting for outdoor growing seasons.

• Fast-growing: Leaves are ready to harvest in just 4–6 weeks.

• Compact: Perfect for pots, containers, or even hydroponic setups.

• Nutrient-rich: Packed with iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

Best Conditions for Growing Spinach Indoors

Spinach thrives in cool, bright environments.

• Light: At least 6 hours of bright sun or 10–12 hours under grow lights.

• Temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F). Spinach prefers cooler conditions.

• Soil: Loose, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost.

• Container: A shallow container (6–8 inches deep) is enough since spinach has short roots.

Leafy greens grow best in wide containers like this one — it allows plenty of space for shallow roots.

Planting Spinach Indoors

Spinach is usually grown from seed, as it germinates quickly.

1. Sow seeds: Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spaced 2 inches apart.
2. Thin seedlings: Once sprouts appear, thin to 4–6 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
3. Succession planting: Sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply.

Caring for Indoor Spinach

Spinach grows fast but needs consistent care.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist — don’t let it dry out completely.

• Feeding: Use a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to encourage leafy growth.

• Pruning: Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive.

• Light management: If leaves look pale or plants stretch, they need more light.

 Many indoor gardeners boost growth with a Compact LED Grow Light on Amazon — perfect for leafy greens like spinach.

Harvesting Spinach Indoors

• Baby leaves: Start harvesting when leaves are 2–3 inches long, usually 3–4 weeks after sowing.

• Mature leaves: Full-sized leaves are ready in 6–8 weeks.

• Cut-and-come-again: Snip outer leaves while leaving the center intact so the plant keeps producing.

• Full harvest: If plants start to bolt (produce flowers), pull them up and re-sow.

Best Varieties of Spinach for Indoor Growing

• ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ – Classic, reliable variety with tender leaves.

• ‘Baby’s Leaf’ – Compact, fast-growing, ideal for small pots.

• ‘Space’ – Bolt-resistant, perfect for continuous harvests.

• ‘Tyee’ – High-yielding hybrid with large, dark green leaves.

Common Problems When Growing Spinach Indoors

• Bolting: Spinach flowers quickly in hot temperatures. Keep it cool.

• Yellow leaves: Often caused by overwatering or lack of nutrients.

• Leggy seedlings: Not enough light. Move closer to a window or use grow lights.

For more growing tips, see the Royal Horticultural Society’s spinach guide.

FAQs About Growing Spinach Indoors

1. How long does spinach take to grow indoors?
Baby leaves are ready in about 4 weeks, with full leaves ready in 6–8 weeks.

2. Can I grow spinach indoors year-round?
Yes — with the right light and cool conditions, spinach grows happily all year.

3. How often should I water indoor spinach?
Usually every 3–4 days, but always check the soil — it should stay evenly moist.

Related Articles

• Growing Bell Peppers Indoors

• How to Grow Indoor Green Beans in Containers

• How to Grow Lemon Balm Indoors

Final Thoughts on Growing Spinach Indoors

Growing spinach indoors is fast, easy, and incredibly rewarding. With just a small pot, good soil, and plenty of light, you’ll have fresh, nutrient-packed leaves ready for salads, smoothies, and cooking all year long. Start growing spinach today, and enjoy endless harvests of this super-healthy green right from your windowsill.