New Zealand spinach is not related to spinach. It belongs to the ice plant family and has thick, triangular leaves. Its growth habit is completely different from that of spinach, but the young leaf tips and shoots can be harvested and prepared in the same way as spinach. New Zealand Spinach is a vining, ground covering plant and it needs a lot of space to grow.
Young plants grow very slowly at first, but warm weather really speeds up their growth. Because New Zealand spinach tolerates heat and dry conditions exceptionally well, it is an excellent substitute for spinach during the summer months. The young leaves and growing tips can be harvested and prepared just like spinach, while the trailing stems are not edible. Non hardy annual.
Pre soak: 12 - 24 hours
Indoor sowing: March - April
Outdoor sowing: end of April - end of May
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 14 - 18 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 2 cm
Sowing distance in rows: 100 cm
Plant distance: 20 - 40 cm
Plant position: sunny
Days till harvest: 55 - 65 days
The seeds of New Zealand spinach are enclosed in seed husks, with each husk containing 3 - 5 seeds. This makes the seeds relatively difficult to germinate. It is recommended to soak the seed husks in cold water for 12 - 24 hours before sowing, followed by soaking them in lukewarm water for another 3 hours before sowing.
The seeds can be started indoors in large pots. The advantage of doing this is that harvesting can begin earlier. Sow 2 seed husks per large pot and cover them with a 1 - 2 cm layer of moist seed compost. In mid-May, once there is no longer any risk of night frost, the plants can be transplanted to a sunny location with well-drained soil. Allow plenty of space between the plants, as they produce long trailing stems. Weed regularly to prevent the plants from being overgrown. Young seedlings grow slowly at first and should be protected carefully from cold weather. These plants are very sensitive to cold, and low temperatures can even stop their growth.
Direct sow outdoors once there is no longer any risk of night frost. Sow in a sunny location enriched with compost and leave sufficient space around the plants. The seed husks can be sown in rows or broadcast over the soil. Leave adequate spacing between the rows. Protect young seedlings from cold, especially during their early growth. These plants suffer little to no damage from slugs. Harvest by picking the leaves and the growing tips of the plants. New Zealand spinach can also be blanched briefly and then frozen.
