Quick facts
| Arabic name | السبانخ |
|---|---|
| English name | Spinach |
| Scientific name | Spinacia oleracea |
| Family | Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual leafy vegetable |
| Height | 20 to 30 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to December
Harvest time
November to February
After 40 to 50 daysJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A rosette of dark green oval or triangular leaves, smooth or crinkled.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and home gardens in winter.
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained soil. It handles light salt.
Water and irrigation
Light regular watering.
Climate and light
Likes cold. Heat and long days make it flower quickly.
Propagation
By seed sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- Rich in iron, vitamin K and folate
- Grows fast (40-50 days)
- Eaten cooked, in pies or salads
- Good for home growing
Drawbacks
- Does not handle heat
- Contains oxalates
- Leaf miners attack it
Important notes
People with oxalate kidney stones should eat less of it.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Spinacia oleracea
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Spinacia oleracea
- Wikipedia: Spinach
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)