How to grow spinach seeds/ plants in India?

Spinach, commonly known as Palang, Paalaki, Paalak, Velbondi, and Keerai is a green leafy vegetable, which is rich in nutrients. The delicate leaves are served as salads, smoothies, and cooked as many delicious dishes. So, grow this superfood at your home, and get supply as long as you want.

Steps to germinate spinach seeds:

1. Take a seedling tray and fill it with coco peat.
2. Make a 0.25-inch deep hole and put 3-4 seeds in the hole.
3. Fill the hole with coco peat and spray some water on the surface layer.
4. When the seeds will germinate and grow 4-5 leaves, transplant them in soil or large containers.

Watering requirements:

• Water it every day as spinach requires regular watering, especially on sunny days or summer.
• Keep the soil moist but make a proper drainage system (if growing in pots or planters make a hole below).
• Remember to give water to the roots, not in the leaves.

Germination time:

Seeds will germinate in 7-8 days.

Manures:

• If growing in the container use a potting mix.
• Before planting mix manures and organic fertilizers.
• After planting use liquid fertilizer. 
• Use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen.
• Fertilizer them every two to three weeks.
• Use fish emulsion, VermiCompost, cow dung, and seaweed fertilizer.

Temperature range to grow:  

Grows best in 21-30 degrees C. 

Soil: 

• Spinach grows well in loamy soil with a pH balance of 6.5-7.0.
• Sow them 30cm apart from each other.

Sunlight needed: 

• It requires an ample amount of sunlight, so plant them where it gets partial sunlight.

Time to harvest: 

• It takes 4-7 weeks to grow fully.
• Harvest them before it gets yellow because it can taste bitter.
• When grown, cut them with a knife or cutter or pluck the leaves.

Health benefits:

• It contains Vitamin A and Vitamin K.
• It discourages cancer growth and prevents inflammation.
• Contains lutein and zeaxanthin which aids the eyes from macular degeneration.
• Contains iron, calcium, copper, folate, and dietary fibers.
• Eat spinach with beetroot for curing anemia.