{"id":36771,"date":"2024-10-16T06:10:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T06:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cultivers.es\/new-zealand-spinach-growing-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-09-22T04:33:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T04:33:40","slug":"new-zealand-spinach-growing-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cultivers.es\/en\/blog\/new-zealand-spinach-growing-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Spinach Growing Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New Zealand spinach<\/strong> (Tetragonia tetragonioides), also known as perpetual spinach, is a rare plant that offers an excellent alternative to traditional spinach. It is prized for its ability to grow in warm climates, making it a perfect choice for times when regular spinach does not thrive. In addition, its tender, flavorful leaves are ideal for salads, stir-fries and other culinary preparations. <\/p>\n\n

These seeds are open pollinated<\/strong>, which means you can harvest your own seeds and continue to grow year after year. In addition, they are organic seeds<\/strong>, which promotes a sustainable and chemical-free garden. <\/p>\n\n

Plant characteristics and history<\/h3>\n\n

Unlike the common spinach, New Zealand spinach<\/strong> is a perennial plant in warm climates, making it an ideal choice for regions where summers are long and hot. Native to New Zealand, Australia and Japan, this plant was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and has gained popularity for its resistance to heat. <\/p>\n\n

Its growth is creeping, so it can cover large areas of the orchard, and its fleshy and triangular leaves are very nutritious, rich in vitamins A and C.<\/p>\n\n

When and how to plant?<\/h3>\n\n

New Zealand spinach<\/strong> is preferably sown in spring, once temperatures start to rise, as it prefers warm climates. The seeds have a hard outer coating, so it is advisable to soak them in water for a few hours before sowing. <\/p>\n

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Sow the seeds 1-2 cm deep, keeping a distance of about 30 cm between each plant, as they tend to expand.<\/p>\n\n

Care during growth<\/h3>\n\n

This plant is very heat tolerant and prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Although New Zealand spinach<\/strong> is drought tolerant, regular watering will ensure more tender and abundant leaves. It is also advisable to apply organic compost during the growing season to ensure a healthy crop. <\/p>\n\n

How and when to harvest<\/h3>\n\n

New Zealand spinach<\/strong> can be harvested continuously throughout the season. The tender leaves are perfect for eating fresh or cooked. Simply cut off the youngest leaves and stems, and the plant will continue to produce more. <\/p>\n\n

Harvesting can begin as early as 8 weeks after planting, and the plant will continue to produce until autumn.<\/p>\n

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Most common diseases and pests<\/h3>\n\n

Although it is a fairly hardy plant, New Zealand Spinach<\/strong> can be affected by some pests such as:<\/p>\n\n