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Ontario Spinach is a Relatively Small Crop for the Province

Ontario Spinach is a Relatively Small Crop for the Province
Jul 27, 2026
By Farms.com

Quebec and Ontario Grow most of Canada’s Spinach but they are small compared to California

Canadians are eating more fresh leafy greens than ever, and spinach continues to be one of the most popular choices in salads, smoothies and prepared foods – but it is likely not Canadian. 

Spinach production is highly concentrated in a small number of growing regions across North America. Statistics Canada data shows that most Canadian spinach acreage is located primarily in Quebec and Ontario, while the United States relies heavily on California and Arizona to supply consumers year-round 

According to Statistics Canada, Canadian farmers plant only 2,000+ acres of spinach. The crop remains a relatively small specialty vegetable compared to major crops such as potatoes, carrots and sweet corn, but demand has remained strong as consumers increasingly seek nutritious leafy greens.  

Statistics Canada says that 67 percent of Canada's spinach acreage is grown in Quebec, while Ontario accounts for about 24 percent. Together, the two provinces represented more than 90 per cent of the country's fresh spinach acreage.  

Quebec's large share of production is linked to its strong fresh-market vegetable sector and favourable growing regions near major population centres.  

The crop is also increasingly produced in greenhouse and controlled-environment systems. Statistics Canada notes that spinach is included within broader greenhouse vegetable categories, helping extend local availability beyond the traditional field-growing season. 

While spinach remains a niche crop in Canada, the United States produces spinach on a much larger scale.  The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center reports that approximately 56,000+ acres of spinach are harvested in the United States.  California alone accounts for roughly 65 per cent of all spinach acreage and is widely recognized as the country's leading producer.  

Weather has played an important role in the 2026 growing season. Reports from Ontario's vegetable sector indicate that periods of rainfall and prolonged soil moisture affected crop management in several vegetable-growing regions during early summer.  

High humidity and wet conditions increased disease-management concerns. Growers have continued to monitor field conditions closely as harvest activity expands through July. 

Spinach is grown in both sandy and muck soils and is available across multiple months of the year. Popular varieties include smooth-leaf, medium-leaf, and savoy types, giving consumers a variety of textures and uses. 

Spinach is well suited to Ontario's climate because it thrives in cooler temperatures. Some Ontario farms can seed spinach multiple times throughout the growing season, providing a continuous supply from spring through fall.  

Some growers have adopted overwinter production practices, allowing spinach planted in late autumn to survive under snow and be harvested the following spring. 

Consumers may be able to source Canadian spinach this summer, but California, as well as Arizona, Texas, and New Jersey dominate spinach production in North America.  

Photo Credit: pexels-enginakyurt


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