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           S S S S
T T T           T T T T
P P P           P P P P

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

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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Nov 17, boneface moyo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get warigal spinach in south African shops
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google the seed selling companies in South Africa.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Jan 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy these or plant in perth w.a
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Feb 17, Florina (Australia - temperate climate)
Bunnings in Balcatta sells these.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Dec 13, Peter Couttie (Australia - temperate climate)
can you grow N.Z.spinach, tetragonia tetragonoides, from cuttings ?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 37 comments
See comments for all plants

I cannot find anywhere where it says you can grow from cutting but would also like to know...

- Lexia

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.