New Zealand Spinach

New Zealand Spinach, also known as "Hot Weather Spinach", is a versatile and resilient annual that grows excellently in hot, dry weather. It is slow-bolting and grows succulent, With its glossy, dark green, triangular leaves and sprawling growth habit, this plant offers a refreshing change from traditional spinach. Known for thriving in warm temperatures, New Zealand Spinach grows rapidly and can handle the heat, making it the perfect choice for gardeners in warmer climates where other greens may struggle.This spinach alternative is rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and iron, delivering all the health benefits of spinach without the worry of bolting in hot weather. Its mild, slightly earthy flavor adds a delicious touch to a wide range of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to soups and stir-fries.. New Zealand Spinach also has impressive pest resistance, making it easy to grow with minimal care.

Also Known As: Tetragonia, Tetragonia Expansa, Hot Weather Spinach, Warrigal Greens, Sunberry, Botany Bay Spinach, Mountain Spinach, Chile Spinach, Creeping Spinach, Poor Man's Spinach.

Plant Name:	Spinach, New Zealand
Latin Name:	Tetragonia tetragonioides
Days to Germinate:	14-21
Days to Harvest:	55
Plant Height:	1 - 2 Feet
Spread:	3 - 4 Feet
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	7-12
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 10-12
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

New Zealand spinach has high tolerance to warm weather unlike typical spinach, able to grow in temperatures between 50F- 90F.

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when the soil temperature is above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the holes, burying roots in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting. Train plants to climb a 6-8 foot trellis or fence as they establish.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant in spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 8-10 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant about 1-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Train plants to climb a 6-8 foot trellis or fence as they establish.

Planting Depth:	1inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12 inches, trellis
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, you may optionally apply a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

New Zealand spinach is ready to harvest around 50 to 60 days after planting, though you can begin picking leaves once the plant has established itself and has plenty of healthy foliage. Harvest the outer leaves first, cutting them at the base with scissors or a knife, while allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a prolonged harvest period. You can continue to pick leaves throughout the growing season, as New Zealand spinach will keep producing new growth if regularly harvested. Avoid waiting too long for a full harvest, as the leaves can become tougher and more fibrous if they are left too long. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep growing, ensuring a steady supply of fresh spinach-like leaves for cooking.