New Zealand Spinach Seeds

New Zealand spinach seeds produce massive amounts of edible green leaves on one small plant! New Zealand spinach is much better suited for the warm areas of Southern California than spinach and other crops that depend on cool, wet weather. Grown for its high nutrient content, this hardy green grows great in warmer parts of the American southwest. A prolific grower, this plant is great for food forests and naturalizing gardens. Once established it needs little care.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• New Zealand spinach is a great alternative to traditional spinach which struggles in the warm winters of Zones 9 and 10. This warm season crop grows best during spring, summer, and fall, but can also overwinter in most mild climates. It can take over a whole raised garden bed, so prune back regularly.

Zones 2-8

• Start seeds 2-3 weeks before the last frost and plant out when the soil is at least 60°F.

Planting New Zealand Spinach Seeds

• In Zones 9 and 10 you can direct seed (recommended) or transplant out.
• For direct sowing, plant seeds in well-worked soil that has been deeply watered and is debris free. Cover with 1/2″ of finely sifted soil.
• If you are planting in starter pots, plant seeds into thoroughly moist high-quality seed starting soil. Place seeds on the top of the soil and cover with 1/2″ of finely sifted soil.
• Once your New Zealand spinach has germinated and the first set of true leaves show, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer. Plant them out into the garden when they are 3-4″ tall. Space at least 6″ apart.

Growing New Zealand Spinach

• New Zealand spinach should be planted into deeply irrigated, semi-fertile soil. In Zones 9 and 10, adding a generous amount of compost will help create a healthy soil structure and keep soil moisture in.
• Mulching heavily around your plants will also help with weed suppression and moisture retention.

Harvesting New Zealand Spinach

• Harvest often to keep the plant a manageable size. If you can not consume all the leaves, feed them to the compost or to chickens if you have them. They love it!

Growing New Zealand Spinach in Containers

• New Zealand spinach is great for a container but make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. It will take over the container and should be planted alone. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Southern California Pro-tips

• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• Do not overheat water as this promotes foliar diseases.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• New Zealand spinach is a great plant for food forest, permaculture applications, and for the edges of the garden. We like to plant it with wildflowers.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!

Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.