True spinach thrives in cool days. New Zealand and Malabar spinach are different warm-season crops, not synonyms.
EdibleCool-season crop
Growing spaceVegetable bedClimate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9bCrop familyAmaranthaceaeLife cycleAnnual cropPhoenix planting windowSeptember–February; easiest after fall soil cools.How to plantDirect sow seed; spinach dislikes root disturbance.Plant spacing4–6 inFrostTolerates light frost once established; cover during a hard freeze.Time to harvestAbout 30–90 daysSuccessionSow small batches every 2–3 weeks while the planting window remains open.Special categoriesEDIBLETypical harvestPick outer leaves through winter; plants bolt as days warm.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Cold hardinessHardy here
One of the toughest greens. It rides out the cold nights Phoenix normally gets without a cover.
Leaves and wood: damaged below 20°FHeat toleranceNeeds afternoon shade
Long days and warm weather send it to seed fast. It likes days of 50 to 70°F, so expect bolting by late March in Phoenix. Sow the last round by February.
