How cold does spinach freeze to death below zero

Spinach may freeze to death in low temperatures ranging from minus 5 to minus 7 degrees Celsius. The cold resistance of spinach is influenced by various factors such as variety differences, growth stage, soil moisture, wind force, and duration of low temperature. Spinach is a green leafy vegetable with strong cold resistance, and most varieties can tolerate short-term low temperatures of minus 3 to minus 5 degrees Celsius. The cell sap concentration of mature spinach leaves is relatively high, and the probability of freezing in the intercellular space is low. Short term low temperature usually does not cause permanent freezing damage. Moderate soil moisture helps to buffer sudden drops in ground temperature, while covering with straw or agricultural non-woven fabric can increase surface temperature. Choosing cold resistant varieties such as round leaf spinach for winter cultivation results in stronger cell membrane stability. When the ambient temperature remains below minus 7 degrees Celsius for more than 6 hours, spinach leaves will experience irreversible frostbite. Plants in the seedling stage or early stage of transplantation have weak cold resistance and may freeze to death at minus 3 degrees Celsius. Sandy soil is more prone to root frostbite due to poor thermal insulation, and cell dehydration under drought conditions can exacerbate the risk of frostbite. It is necessary to establish windproof barriers for overwintering cultivation in northern open fields, and it is recommended to harvest in advance before extreme cold waves arrive.

It is recommended to choose windward and sunny plots for planting spinach in winter. During cold wave warnings, plastic small arch sheds can be used for temporary insulation. Stopping watering one week before harvesting can improve the frost resistance of plants. When thawing frozen leaves, avoid direct sunlight to prevent cell rupture. If mild frostbite occurs, the damaged outer leaves can be removed, and the heart leaves may still have the possibility of recovering growth.