QUESTION: Will spinach grow back after cutting? What is the best way to harvest spinach so that it keeps growing? -Ted G.
ANSWER: As long as the growing point is not damaged during the initial harvesting and the weather is still cool, spinach plants will most likely regrow for two or more harvests. Harvesting spinach correctly greatly improves the chances of the spinach growing back for multiple harvests. Spinach regenerates its leaves from their growing point, which is the crown of the plant where the stems join the root system at the soil’s surface. To harvest, use a pair of scissors or garden shears to cut the spinach leaves to within 2 inches of the ground. Be careful not to cut into the growing point, or you may damage the plant so that it will not regrow. The leaves should then regenerate for a second harvest within four weeks after the first cutting. If the plant doesn’t go to seed, it may produce two or more cycles of regrowth, which will allow you to continue harvesting.
Spinach can be harvested a few leaves at a time, or all at once, depending on your needs and preferences. If you just want a few leaves, use scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves at the stem, taking the outer, older leaves first. Work your way in gradually towards the plant’s center as the inner leaves begin to mature.
If you want to harvest all of the leaves at the same time, just cut the whole plant off at the base, but take care not to cut into the growing point, so that the plant can regrow. Either harvesting method will encourage all the spinach plant to regrow as long as the growing point is not damaged during the process.
