New Zealand Spinach — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Tetragonia tetragonioides |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–20 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 55–70 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 8–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow direct after all danger of frost has passed in warm, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil in full sun; soak seeds 12–24 hours in warm water before sowing to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination — thin to 18–24 inches apart. New Zealand spinach is the premier heat-tolerant, summer-substitute for true spinach, producing a sprawling, succulent-leaved groundcover of succulent, triangular, bright-green leaves with a mild, slightly salty flavor that can be harvested continuously by tip-pruning throughout summer and fall without bolting; it is ideal for the Gulf Coast and similar hot, humid climates where true spinach is impossible in summer. Despite the common name it is not closely related to spinach; it is in the family Aizoaceae. Frost-tender but can naturalize in zone 9–10 from self-seeding.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · tetragonia-tetragonioides
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0