Spinich does notbrequire a pre treatment BUT is a cooseason crop
lightly cover te seed soil temp 60F for germination in 8 days growingon temp 61-64F
does NOT do well in hot weather

Mine did well sowed in place in late March or early April. Lasted until late July.

If you are like me. I thought I had the same problems, found out it germinated, but the slugs made it disappear as soon as it came up. I can start it in pots but it is impossible in the garden.