New Zealand spinach, also known as Tetragonia tetragonioides, is a leafy green vegetable native to coastal areas of New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. Despite its common name, it is not botanically related to true spinach (Spinacia oleracea), though it serves as a similar leafy green in culinary uses. New Zealand spinach is a perennial plant that thrives in warm climates and is highly tolerant of heat, making it an excellent alternative to spinach in summer gardens. The plant has succulent, triangular leaves that are dark green and slightly crinkled, with a fleshy texture. It grows low to the ground, often spreading to form a dense mat, which helps in suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. The taste of New Zealand spinach is mildly salty and similar to traditional spinach, though it can have a slightly more robust flavour. It is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, making it a nutritious addition to a variety of dishes. New Zealand spinach can be eaten raw in salads, though it is more commonly cooked to reduce its oxalate content, which can interfere with calcium absorption in the body. It is versatile in the kitchen and can be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups, stews, and stir-fries. Gardeners appreciate New Zealand spinach for its low maintenance and high yield. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. Its resilience to pests and diseases further adds to its appeal as a sustainable and easy-to-grow vegetable.

How To Grow

Growing New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is relatively easy, and it thrives in warm climates where traditional spinach might struggle. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cultivate this nutritious leafy green in your garden:

1. Select a Site Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. New Zealand spinach can tolerate more heat than traditional spinach, but partial shade can help in extremely hot climates. Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soils work best. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding compost to improve drainage and fertility.

2. Prepare the Soil Soil pH: Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.5). Test the soil and adjust if necessary. Amendments: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance its fertility and structure.

3. Sow the Seeds Timing: Sow seeds after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up, as New Zealand spinach prefers warm temperatures. Soaking Seeds: Soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination. Planting Depth: Plant seeds ½ inch (1.25 cm) deep. Spacing: Space seeds 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in rows that are 2 feet (60 cm) apart. Alternatively, sow seeds in a wide row or bed for a more dense planting.

4. Watering Initial Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 10-20 days. Regular Watering: Once established, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. New Zealand spinach is somewhat drought-tolerant but will produce more tender leaves with consistent moisture.

5. Mulching Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

6. Fertilization Feeding: Feed plants with a balanced fertilizer or a side dressing of compost every 4-6 weeks to encourage vigorous growth.

7. Maintenance Weeding: Keep the area weed-free, especially when plants are young. Mulching helps minimize the need for weeding. Thinning: Thin seedlings if necessary to prevent overcrowding and ensure adequate air circulation.

8. Pest and Disease Management Pests: New Zealand spinach is generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids and leaf miners. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Diseases: The plant is relatively disease-free but can occasionally suffer from fungal issues in very humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

How/When To Harvesting

New Zealand spinach is a prolific and resilient plant that provides a steady supply of nutritious greens throughout the growing season. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to harvest New Zealand spinach to ensure continuous production and maintain plant health:

1. Timing of Harvest Initial Harvest: Begin harvesting when the plants are about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall, typically around 55-70 days after planting. Continuous Harvest: New Zealand spinach grows rapidly, allowing for continuous harvesting. Regular picking encourages new growth and a prolonged harvest season.

2. Harvesting Tools Tools Needed: Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to harvest New Zealand spinach. Clean tools help prevent the spread of disease. Hand Harvesting: You can also harvest by hand, pinching off leaves and stems with your fingers.

3. Harvesting Technique Select Leaves: Choose the tender, young leaves and stems for the best flavor and texture. Older leaves can become tough and less palatable. Cutting Method: Cut or pinch the leaves and stems about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) above the base of the plant or above a leaf node. This encourages the plant to produce new growth from the cut area. Frequency: Harvest regularly, ideally once a week or as needed. Regular harvesting prevents the plant from becoming too leggy and encourages bushier growth.

4. Post-Harvest Handling Cleaning: Rinse the harvested leaves and stems thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or insects. Drying: Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Storing: Store the cleaned leaves in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. New Zealand spinach can last for up to a week when stored properly.

5. Encouraging Continuous Growth Avoid Over-Harvesting: Do not remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at any single harvest. This ensures the plant retains enough leaves to continue photosynthesis and produce new growth. Feeding: After harvesting, consider applying a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea to support the plant’s recovery and encourage further growth. Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially after harvesting, to help the plant recover quickly.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, nutritious New Zealand spinach throughout the growing season. Regular and careful harvesting not only provides you with continuous greens but also keeps the plants healthy and productive.