Growing NZ Spinach, also Warrigal greens

Tetragonia expansa : Aizoaceae / the fig-marigold family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              S S S    
                T T T  
                P P P  

(Best months for growing NZ Spinach in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

August: Bring on in boxes

  • 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 (can grow beside): Does better if alone.

Your comments and tips

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10 Nov 17, Evelyn Corbett (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Where can I get seeds of Warrigal Spinach?I live in Evant Texas, will it grow here in hot dry climate?
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13 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You need to try and see if you can buy it from seed selling companies in the USA - it probably will grow - can handle hot and dryish conditions.
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02 Nov 17, boneface moyo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get warigal spinach in south African shops
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03 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google the seed selling companies in South Africa.
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23 Jan 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy these or plant in perth w.a
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07 Feb 17, Florina (Australia - temperate climate)
Bunnings in Balcatta sells these.
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26 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I suggest you contact a local gardening group or permaculture group. It is generally easy to get, strikes easily and grows easily. In Perth it would probably prefer morning sun and shade for the rest of the day or just a generally semi-shaded position
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13 Dec 16, Lisa Williams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I soaked my seeds in water with a little liquid aloe vera fertiliser and got 100% germination too.
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04 Jun 15, Lucas (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I had a lot of trouble germinating my first batch of seeds, got 4 out of about 30. Second try, I used gibberellic acid: soaked a paper towel with 1000 ppm solution, placed into a zip-lock sandwich bag with the seeds. Close to 100% germination after about 4 days. Definitely recommended if you're having trouble getting these guys started, and don't object to using natural, albeit chemical, intervention.
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02 Dec 13, Peter Couttie (Australia - temperate climate)
can you grow N.Z.spinach, tetragonia tetragonoides, from cuttings ?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 37 comments
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Hi I have heaps of the triangular seeds ? Or are they the fruit. I am in Perth and have never seen the spinach before . If it is the fruit can you please tell me what is best method of extracting the seed from the fruit

- ryan

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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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