Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Spinach in Washington

Fast from seed to salad. Spinach bolts in heat, so plant early in spring and again in fall.

The Short Answer

Western Washington is one of the best spinach-growing regions in America — the cool maritime climate prevents bolting for months longer than anywhere else. While southern gardeners get 6 weeks of spinach, Puget Sound gardeners can harvest from March through November with succession planting.

Washington Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Washington you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Spinach Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 20

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Spinach in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western Washington: direct sow from March through September — the cool climate means spinach rarely bolts. With cold frame protection, harvest continues through winter. Year-round spinach is achievable. Eastern Washington: spring from March through May, fall from August through October. WSU Extension ranks spinach among the best vegetables for western Washington.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Bloomsdale, Space, and Tyee all produce for extended periods in the cool maritime climate. Giant Winter for cold frame overwintering. Baby leaf mixes for continuous harvest. Any variety works in western WA — the climate prevents the bolting that limits variety choice elsewhere.

Common Challenges in Washington

Slugs in western Washington's damp conditions. Downy mildew during wet fall and winter. Aphids. In eastern Washington, summer heat triggers bolting — follow the spring-fall pattern.

Growing Tips

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. For fall, plant 6-8 weeks before first frost.

Companion Planting

Plant spinach alongside these companions for better growth:

Strawberries Peas Radishes

The Bottom Line

Spinach can be grown successfully in Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Spinach Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington Spinach in Alabama Alabama planting dates Spinach in Alaska Alaska planting dates Spinach in Arizona Arizona planting dates Spinach in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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