New Zealand Spinach Seeds

New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides), also widely known in Australia as Warrigal Greens or Kōkihi. Unlike traditional garden spinach, which quickly bolts to seed in warm weather, this hardy, semi-succulent perennial thrives in heat and dry spells, producing an abundant yield of tender, triangular green leaves when other leafy crops give out.

With a sprawling, ground-covering growth habit, New Zealand Spinach forms a lush mat of succulent foliage that acts as a moisture-retaining living mulch in garden beds. Its mild, pleasant flavor and crisp texture closely match standard spinach, making it ideal for fresh salads, stir-fries, quiches, pestos, and sauteed greens. Extremely low-maintenance and resistant to common garden pests, it is a must-have perennial staple for permaculture plots, raised beds, and kitchen gardens.

features:

• Heat & Drought Resistant: Never bolts in summer heat; continues producing tender foliage through high temperatures.

• Perennial & Prolific: Behaves as a hardy perennial in frost-free regions (and a heavy self-seeding annual in cooler climates).

• Nutrient-Dense Summer Greens: Delivers rich, succulent leaves packed with vitamins and minerals when traditional spinach fails.

• Living Mulch: Dense spreading stems help shade the soil, suppress weeds, and retain ground moisture.

• Pest & Disease Resistant: Naturally tough foliage stands up to common garden insects and heat stress effortlessly.

Growing Information (Australia):

• Scientific Name: Tetragonia tetragonioides

• Plant Type: Perennial (Grown as a warm-season annual in frost-prone areas)

• Sowing Season:

  • Temperate/Cool (e.g., Victoria, Tasmania): Spring to Early Summer (after all risk of frost has passed).

  • Subtropical: Late Winter to Autumn.

  • Tropical: Autumn through Early Spring (avoiding heavy monsoon periods).

• Sun Position: Full Sun to Part Shade (produces thickest growth in full sun, but appreciates afternoon shade in extreme heat).

• Sowing Depth: 1cm–1.5cm deep (Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours prior to planting to soften the tough outer husk).

• Plant Spacing: 40–50cm apart (stems spread 60–100cm wide).

• Plant Height: 20–30cm tall (low-growing, trailing growth habit).

• Germination Temp: 18°C–24°C.

• Germination Time: 14–21 days (can be slow and erratic due to hard seed coats; soaking speeds up process).

• Seed to Bloom/Harvest Time: 55–70 days (begin harvesting outer leaves and shoot tips once plants are established).

• Gardener’s Tip: Regularly cut or pinch out the top 7–10cm of young shoot tips and leaves. This continuous harvesting encourages multi-branching and keeps the plant pushing out young, tender growth all season. Note: Like traditional spinach, leaves contain oxalates—blanching or cooking briefly is recommended before eating large quantities.