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Growing NZ Spinach, also Warrigal greens

(Tetragonia expansa)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
		S		P				P

(Best months for planting NZ Spinach in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 45 - 60 cm apart
Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Pick the tips.
Compatible with: Does better if alone .

NZ Spinach

NZ spinach has green, triangulated leaves and a spreading habit.

This is a coastal plant which natively grows on dune edges. It survives salt-spray in coastal gardens. It tolerates light frost.

It can withstand hot, dry summer weather when real spinach tends to die off. Will self-sow and become widespread.

Soak seeds for one or two hours before sowing as the outer skin is hard.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating NZ Spinach

Pick the growing tips at about 8-10cm (4-6 in).
Can be used as a substitute for real spinach in cooking.

To remove the oxalates it’s a good idea to blanch the leaves for 3 minutes or so, then rinse the leaves in cold water before using them in salads or for cooking.(ABC TV)

Your comments and tips

17 Nov 12, Dana (Australia - arid climate): Hi, I bought warrigal spinach seed from Green Harvest, Maleny, Qld., and they took over a raised bed. Due to the high Oxalic acid, I am wondering can this be fed to sheep as a supplement to their diet of grass.
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07 Nov 12, Darren (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I have a patch in the backyard and want to transfer some to the front what is the most successful way either seed or cuttings do I need to soak seeds first if so for how long do Ineed to pot cuttings first before transfering
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13 Nov 11, Michris Janse van Rensburg (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate): I am from South Africa where can get seeds I want plant it for the poor people here
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02 Nov 10, Nina (Australia - temperate climate): please don't forget that Warrigal greens are poisonous unless blanched.
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23 Mar 13, Glen Op den Brouw (Australia - arid climate): It is completely untrue that warrigal greens are poisonous. They contain oxalates just like all members of the spinach family. They dont carry silly warnings at the supermarket saying you must blanch this or warning contains oxalates. Just treat warrigal greens as spinach and dont believe the misinfornation.
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03 Nov 10, Kate (Australia - arid climate): ? I eat them all the time and don't think I've suffered any ill effects. Also the chickens seem to love them, are they poisonous for hens too?
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19 Oct 10, Jeanie kirk (Australia - temperate climate): I have a small amount of Warrigal green seeds to give away
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28 Oct 12, (Australia - arid climate): Hi Jeanie I am very interested in your Warrigal seeds. How can this be arranged? My email is bobncol@ hotmail.com and I am in Brisbane Cheers Bob Firth.
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08 Oct 10, Geoff Clarke (Australia - temperate climate): I presume Warrigal Green can be propogated from cuttings.Appreciate any advice.
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13 Nov 11, Wauker (Australia - temperate climate): Geoff, just came across this message board. Yes these can be grown from cuttings, like lawn runners in fact. I find this vegetable the same as English spinach, it doesn't leave that metallic taste that the silver beet leaves you with.
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Post a question, comment or tip about NZ Spinach

Replying to:

Thanks Grahame, I so love that people are commenting on Eden seeds. Organic seeds are the only ones to buy. GM seeds are a serious threat to the freedom of gardening. only brands that are organic will re-seed properly and grow again and again. We gardeners must maintain the simple right to grow organic, healthy food.

- Jay

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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