M.

Wasim Haider (2009-ag-587)

Determination of Spinach Growth:

a. Planting Distance: P x P = 5 inch R x R = 3 inch (Swiader and Ware, 2002) b. Depth of Sowing: Seeds should be planted inch deep and watered gently to ensure seeds are not displaced, or washed away. (Ernst et al., 2012) c. Germination Index: [No. of germinated seeds] [Days of final or last count] (AOSA, 1983) d. Germination Time: Germination of spinach seeds starts after a week and almost accomplished at 2nd week of sowing. e. Growth Stages of Spinach Spinach has three distinct growth phases 1) Germination stage: Emergence of seedling 2) Vegetative stage: Plants have a rosette growth form, made up of a single stem with exceptionally short internodes with leaves clustered around the stem. Plants are generally harvested at this stage. 3) Reproductive stage: During this phase, the stem elongates and branches to form flower stalks, and production of marketable leaves ceases. Warmer temperatures initiate stem elongation, and once the proper photoperiod requirements are reached (12 to 15 hour day length) (Ernst et al., 2012)

References: Association of Official Seed Analysis (AOSA). 1983. Seed Vigor Testing Handbook. No.32, published by AOSA and SCST, USA. Ernst, T, D. Drost and B. Black.2012. High tunnel winter spinach production. Cooperative Extension, Utah State University, USA. http://www.gardeningpatch.com/vegetable/growing-spinach.aspx Swiader, J. and G. Ware. 2002. Producing Vegetable crops (5th Ed.). Interstate Publishers, Inc. Danville, IL.