Spinach, New Zealand
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Quick Overview
SPINACH, New Zealand –
Tetragonia expansa
FULL SUN Native to New Zealand, this spinach substitute was brought to America in 1772. Unlike true spinach, New Zealand spinach can tolerate summer well. The plant produces a mound of leaves. The small, medium green, fleshy leaves have similar nutritional value to spinach. New Zealand spinach is a tender perennial. New Zealand spinach should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Soak ‘seeds’ for 24 hours before planting. ‘Seeds’ are actually the fruit of the plant and contain several seeds. Plant in rows should be 18 in. apart. When seedlings are 2 in. high, thin, leaving 6-8 in. between plants.
| Type | Spacing | Planting Depth | Days to Germination | Maturity |
| Spinach | 6-8 in. | 1/2 in. | 14-21 | 55 |
Spinach, New Zealand
Spinach is a cold tolerant annual that was native to central and southwest Asia and was first cultivated in Iran. Wild varieties can be found throughout Asia, North Africa and Europe. There are basically two kinds of spinach: smooth-seeded (including most modern varieties) and prickly-seeded (from several older varieties). Both of these kinds of spinach produce varieties that have smooth leaves or crinkled (savoyed) leaves. New Zealand spinach is actually not a spinach, but is an excellent alternative to spinach. This plant is a perennial which is much more tolerant of heat and drought than traditional spinach varieties. New Zealand spinach was introduced into North America in 1772.
