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                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing NZ Spinach in USA - Zone 5a 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 64°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Pick the tips.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Does better if alone.

Your comments and tips

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
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.
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.
02 Dec 13, Peter Couttie (Australia - temperate climate)
can you grow N.Z.spinach, tetragonia tetragonoides, from cuttings ?
26 Aug 13, ryan (Australia - arid climate)
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
22 Nov 13, glen (Australia - temperate climate)
Just let the seed go black, soak it overnight and sow
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.
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
05 Oct 17, Lexia (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I cannot find anywhere where it says you can grow from cutting but would also like to know...
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
Showing 21 - 30 of 42 comments

My chicken love it as well, but in moderation. they know when they've had enough.

- Glen Op den Brouw

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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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