A system for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of spinach from hypocotyl segments has been established. Callus was induced on solid media supplemented with 8.5-15.0 mg.l(-1) of indole-3-acetic acid and 3.46-34.64 mg.l(-1) gibberellic acid. Callus was then subcultured on different media (solid or liquid) with or without IAA, or continuously maintained on the initiating media. Somatic embryos were obtained in subcultures on IAA-containing media as well as in long-term cultures on initiating media. The best results were achieved in liquid subcultures. About 60% of plantlets survived after transplanting in pots.