New Zealand Spinach
Historic Variety
- Not a true spinach, but similar in flavor and usage
- Spreading plants
- Thick, fleshy leaves
- Slow to bolt and thrives in hot weather
- Best when picked all summer and fall
- Good source of vitamin C
- 50-70 days
- ±440 seeds/oz
(Tetragonia expansa) Discovered in Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand, by British botanist Sir Joseph Banks who sailed with Captain Cook's first voyage to the South Pacific (1768-1771). Not a true spinach, but similar in flavor and usage. Strong spreading plants branch freely. Fleshy leaves are great for fresh summer greens. Thrives in hot weather, resists bolting. Best when picked all summer and fall. Seeds are slow to germinate, so be patient. Good source of vitamin C. 50-70 days. ±440 seeds/oz.
Direct Seed: 6" Apart
Seed Depth: 1/4"
Germination: 14-21 Days
Light: Full Sun
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when danger of frost has passed. Do not plant before air temperatures are consistently between 70-80°F. Soak seed for 24 hours before planting to speed germination. For best yields, harvest continually.