Most gardeners wait weeks to see results, but spinach, coriander, and fenugreek can germinate in just 5–7 days if you get three things right: depth, spacing, and water timing. December in India is the perfect window for these fast-growing winter greens, and the setup is simpler than you think.
Why these three crops thrive in winter
Spinach, coriander (dhania), and fenugreek (methi) are cool-season champions. They don’t just tolerate the mild winter temperatures across most of India—they actually prefer them. Heat makes them bolt and turn bitter, but the cooler nights of December through February keep the leaves tender and sweet.
These crops also share a growth rhythm: quick germination, rapid leaf production, and multiple harvests. Plant them now, and you’ll be cutting fresh greens by early January.
Sowing depth: The one-centimetre rule
This is where most beginners go wrong. Burying seeds too deep delays germination or kills them outright. Planting too shallow lets birds and wind scatter them.
The rule: Press seeds 0.5 to 1 cm deep into the soil. That’s roughly the thickness of your fingernail.
- Spinach: Sow 1 cm deep. The seeds are small but hardy.
- Coriander: 1 cm deep. Crush the seed pods lightly before sowing to speed germination.
- Fenugreek: 0.5 cm deep. These seeds are tiny and sprout fast.
After sowing, cover lightly with fine soil or compost. Pat it down gently—don’t compact it. The soil should feel firm but not hard.
Spacing: Give them room to breathe
Crowding is the second silent killer. When seedlings compete for light and nutrients, they grow leggy and weak. Proper spacing also improves air circulation, which reduces fungal problems in humid areas.
Spinach: Space seeds 5–7 cm apart in rows 20 cm apart. If you’re planting in a container, scatter seeds thinly and thin out seedlings once they reach 3–4 cm tall.
Coriander: Space seeds 5 cm apart in rows 15 cm apart. Coriander tolerates slight crowding, but better spacing means thicker stems.
Fenugreek: Space seeds 3–5 cm apart in rows 15 cm apart. Fenugreek grows upright and doesn’t spread much, so you can plant it slightly closer.
If you’re sowing in raised beds or containers, use the broadcast method: scatter seeds evenly, then thin seedlings to the spacing above once they emerge.
Watering rhythm: The first two weeks matter most
Water is the engine of germination, but too much drowns seeds and invites rot. Too little, and they dry out before they can sprout.
Days 1–7 (germination phase): Water lightly every morning. The top 2–3 cm of soil should feel damp but not soggy. Use a fine spray or a watering can with a rose attachment to avoid washing seeds away.
Days 8–14 (seedling phase): Water every other day, or daily if the weather is dry and sunny. Once seedlings have two true leaves, they’re more resilient.
After two weeks: Water 2–3 times per week, depending on your soil and climate. Sandy soil dries faster; clay holds moisture longer. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.
Pro tip: Water in the early morning. Evening watering in winter can leave foliage damp overnight, which invites fungal diseases like damping-off.
Soil prep: The foundation of fast growth
These greens aren’t fussy, but they grow faster in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Before sowing:
- Mix in compost or well-rotted cow dung (one part compost to three parts soil).
- If your soil is heavy clay, add a handful of sand or coco peat to improve drainage.
- Rake the bed smooth and remove stones and clumps.
No need for chemical fertilizers at planting time. The compost provides enough nutrients for the first 3–4 weeks.
First harvest timing: Cut early, cut often
This is the payoff.
Spinach: Ready for the first harvest in 25–30 days. Pick the outer leaves when they’re 7–10 cm long. The plant will keep producing new leaves from the centre for 6–8 weeks.
Coriander: Ready in 20–25 days for baby leaves, or 40–45 days for full stems. Cut stems 2–3 cm above the soil line. Water well after cutting, and you’ll get a second flush.
Fenugreek: Ready in 20–25 days. Snip the top 10–12 cm of the plant. It will regrow once or twice if you keep watering.
Harvest tip: Always cut in the morning after the dew has dried. The leaves are crisper, and the plants recover faster.
Common mistakes to avoid
Overwatering in the first week: Seeds need moisture, not a swimming pool. If water pools on the surface, you’ve overdone it.
Skipping thinning: If seedlings are crowded, thin them ruthlessly. Use the thinned greens in salads—they’re tender and flavourful.
Planting in full shade: These crops need 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun is ideal. In hot regions, light afternoon shade is fine.
Ignoring pests: Aphids and caterpillars love tender greens. Inspect plants every few days. A spray of diluted neem oil (5 ml per litre of water) works well as a preventive.
Why December 2025 is the ideal planting window
Across most of India, December offers the perfect balance: warm days (20–25°C), cool nights (10–15°C), and low humidity. These conditions trigger fast germination and steady growth without the stress of extreme heat or cold.
If you’re in the northern plains, you have until mid-January. In southern and coastal regions, you can plant through February.
Next steps: Start this weekend
You don’t need a large garden. A 60 cm × 30 cm container is enough for a steady supply of greens for one person.
Here’s your weekend checklist:
- Buy seeds from a local nursery or online. Choose fresh stock—old seeds germinate poorly.
- Prep your soil or containers.
- Sow one crop or all three. Fenugreek is the easiest if you’re a beginner.
- Water lightly and wait.
By early January, you’ll be cutting your own spinach, coriander, and fenugreek—fresh, chemical-free, and faster than you thought possible.