Type: Warm Season Annual • Family: Aizoaceae (Ice Plant) • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Moderate (consistent moisture) • Soil pH: 6.0-7.5 • Hardiness: Tender annual—loves heat
Planting Calendar (Zone 6b/7a)
| Method | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start indoors | March 15 - April 15 | 6-8 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds 24 hours—hard seed coat. Sow 1/2" deep at 70-80°F. Germination 14-21 days—slow and erratic. |
| Direct sow | May 15 - June 15 | After soil 65°F+. Soak seeds overnight. Sow 1/2" deep, 6" apart, thin to 12-18". Slow to germinate—be patient. |
| Transplant | May 20 - June 5 | After frost. Space 12-18" apart. Spreading habit—give it room or trellis. |
| Days to maturity | 55-70 days | |
| Succession plant | N/A—produces continuously once established |
Expected Yield
- Per plant: 2-4 lbs per plant over season
- Per 10' row: 10-20 lbs per 10' row
- Per season: 15-30 lbs per 10' row
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile. Not fussy. 2" compost. Tolerates poor soils better than most greens.
- Fertilizer: Light feeder. Compost at planting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
- Companions: Tomatoes, peppers, corn, strawberries. Creates good ground cover.
- Avoid: None significant
- Pests: Very few pests. Snails and slugs on young plants. Generally pest-resistant.
- Diseases: Very few disease problems. Good airflow prevents fungal issues.
Heirloom & Recommended Varieties
'Standard NZ Spinach'
There is really only one type commonly available. Not true spinach (Spinacia oleracea) but tastes similar when cooked. Thrives in heat when true spinach has bolted. Harvest young tips for continuous production.
Cultural History & Domestication
New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is native to New Zealand, Australia, and parts of Asia. Captain Cook discovered it in 1769-1770 and used it to prevent scurvy—hence 'Cook's cabbage.' It was introduced to European gardening in the 1770s and has been a niche crop ever since, valued for producing edible greens during summer heat when true spinach cannot. It is not related to true spinach at all—it is in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae).
Seed Saving
NZ spinach is primarily self-pollinating. Allow plants to set seed—seeds form where leaves meet stem. Collect when dry and brown. Seeds are unusual—hard, triangular, often have small horn-like projections. Viability: 3-5 years. Soak before sowing.
The Loop Farmstead Standard
- Compost: 1-2 inches annually (on-farm production)
- Cover crops: Rye + vetch (fall), buckwheat (summer), daikon (compaction)
- Wood chips: Pathways only (aged 2+ years for beds)
- Fall leaves: Mulch or compost browns
- Blood/bone meal: From farm-slaughtered animals
- Biochar: Charged with compost tea (permanent carbon)
- Wood ash: Light application from wood stove
- Eggshells: Crushed/powdered (slow calcium)
Never used: Synthetic fertilizers, mined minerals, gypsum, peat moss