Editing Smooth Leaf Spinach (section)

== Characteristics ==

* '''Physical Characteristics''': Spinach plants typically grow up to 30 cm (1 ft) tall, with leaves that are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular, and vary in size from 2–30 cm (1–12 in) long and 1–15 cm (1⁄2–6 in) broad<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinach</ref>. The leaves are larger at the base and smaller higher on the flowering stem.
* '''Growing Conditions''': Spinach grows best in moist, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of at least 6.0<ref>https://johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/spinach/smooth-leaf-spinach/seaside-f1-spinach-seed-3927.html</ref>. It prefers full sun to light shade and can tolerate some frost, surviving temperatures as low as 15°F to 20°F<ref>https://extension.psu.edu/growing-spinach-a-cool-season-vegetable</ref><ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/spinacia-oleracea</ref>. Optimal growing temperatures range from 50°F to 60°F<ref>https://extension.psu.edu/growing-spinach-a-cool-season-vegetable</ref>.
* '''Lifecycle''': Spinach is a rapid-growing crop with a lifecycle that typically spans about 40-48 days from sowing to maturity, depending on the variety<ref>https://extension.unh.edu/resource/how-grow-bloomsdale-long-standing-spinach-spinacia-oleracea</ref>. It is sensitive to bolting, which occurs when temperatures rise above 80°F or during long days<ref>https://extension.psu.edu/growing-spinach-a-cool-season-vegetable</ref>.

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