New Zealand spinach is a great alternative to true spinach and is less prone to bolting in hot weather. It was discovered during Captain Cook's voyage in 1770 and brought to England by Sir Joseph Banks. The hardy plant has small, fleshy leaves that are packed with vitamins and can be harvested long after true spinach has stopped producing. New Zealand spinach seeds typically mature in 70 days.
Sowing: New Zealand spinach should be sown after the last frost of spring as it cannot tolerate frost. Soak the seeds overnight and plant them 1/4" deep and 10" apart, or in groups of three.
Growing: Keep the plant well weeded and watered in dry weather. It can be grown on a trellis or left to spread out as a ground cover due to its vining habit.
Harvesting: Begin harvesting the spinach leaves as soon as they are large enough to eat. If picking individual leaves, take the larger ones on the outside of the plant. If harvesting the entire plant, cut it off at ground level and new leaves will grow. The harvested leaves can be kept in the fridge for several days.
Seed Saving: When the seed pods turn brown, they are ready to be harvested. The pods can be prickly, so gloves may be useful. Since Warrigal spinach easily reseeds itself, it's best to act quickly after the pods mature. Strip the pods from the stalk and remove the dried leaves and debris. The prickly pod can be removed or planted as is. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to three years.
Sowing: New Zealand spinach should be sown after the last frost of spring as it cannot tolerate frost. Soak the seeds overnight and plant them 1/4" deep and 10" apart, or in groups of three.
Growing: Keep the plant well weeded and watered in dry weather. It can be grown on a trellis or left to spread out as a ground cover due to its vining habit.
Harvesting: Begin harvesting the spinach leaves as soon as they are large enough to eat. If picking individual leaves, take the larger ones on the outside of the plant. If harvesting the entire plant, cut it off at ground level and new leaves will grow. The harvested leaves can be kept in the fridge for several days.
Seed Saving: When the seed pods turn brown, they are ready to be harvested. The pods can be prickly, so gloves may be useful. Since Warrigal spinach easily reseeds itself, it's best to act quickly after the pods mature. Strip the pods from the stalk and remove the dried leaves and debris. The prickly pod can be removed or planted as is. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to three years.