palak/palakeerai

🥬 Palak (Spinach) Seed Sowing Guide

1. Season

Grows best in cool season.

In India:

Rabi season (Oct–Feb) – best yield.

Can also be sown in summer (March–April) with heat-tolerant varieties.

2. Soil Preparation

Prefers well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0.

Add 8–10 tons FYM/acre and prepare fine tilth before sowing.

3. Seed Preparation

Palak seeds are hard → soak in water for 6–8 hrs before sowing for quick germination.

Optional: Treat with fungicide (Thiram/Trichoderma) to prevent damping-off.

4. Sowing Method

Direct sowing is followed.

Depth: 1.5 – 2 cm.

Spacing:

Line sowing: Rows 20–25 cm apart.

Plant to plant: 5–10 cm after thinning.

Broadcasting is also common for leafy harvest.

5. Germination

Seeds sprout in 5–7 days.

6. Watering

Light irrigation immediately after sowing.

Maintain moist soil – irrigate every 6–7 days in winter, every 3–4 days in summer.

7. Intercultural Operations

First thinning after 2–3 weeks to maintain spacing.

Light weeding to avoid competition.

Apply a little urea (N fertilizer) after thinning for lush green leaves.

8. Harvest

First harvest: 25–30 days after sowing (cutting outer leaves).

Successive cuttings every 15–20 days for 2–3 months, depending on season.