When to Plant Spinach in Essex, Iowa (51638)
Location
Essex, Iowa
ZIP Code
51638
USDA Zone
5b
Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Direct Sow Outdoors Saturday, March 14, 2026
Pro Tip: Spinach can be directly sown outdoors. Plant 6 weeks before your last frost date.
🌿 Plant Details
Scientific Name Cynara scolymus
Days to Maturity 40 days
Mature Height 6-12"
Spread 6"
Type Leaf
Fruit Size N/A
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Partial Shade to Full Sun
💧
Water
Regular (keep moist)
↔️
Spacing
6" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
0.5" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days
🤝 Good Companions
StrawberryPeaBeanBrassicas
Other Plants for Essex
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini
Growing Spinach in Zone 5b
Spinach (Cynara scolymus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Essex, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Spinach grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.