How to grow New Zealand Spinach

Tetragonia tetragonoides

Full Sun
Medium

Direct sow 3 seeds every 12 inches. When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin to 1 plant every 12 inches. Seed may also be started indoors in sunny window 4-5 weeks before planting. Loves heat and is drought tolerant, but will taste better with regular watering. Frost sensitive. Will grow in saline ground.

Growing New zealand spinach from seed

Soak for 12 hours before planting

Ensure a distance of 11.7 inches (30.0 cm) between seeds when sowing - look to sow at a depth of approximately 0.99 inches (2.54 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 8°C / 46°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting New zealand spinach

This variety is best direct sown.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as New zealand spinach is a tender plant.

How long does New zealand spinach take to grow?

These estimates for how long New zealand spinach takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take New zealand spinach to germinate?: 8 days
Average 8 days | Min 3 days | Max 453 days (9)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out New zealand spinach?: + 18 days
Average 18 days | Min 18 days | Max 18 days (1)
Days to Maturity How long until New zealand spinach is ready for harvest / bloom?: + 70 days
Average 70 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow New zealand spinach?: = 96 days

New zealand spinach Folklore & Trivia

Tender plant, doesn’t tolerate frost. Does great in warm to hot weather though.

Other names for New zealand spinach

Kokihi, Warrigal greens, Sea spinach, Botany bay spinach, Native australian bushtucker, Duneweed, Cook's cabbage

Tetragonia expansa