I picked up some New Zealand Spinach seeds this year. They look Prehistoric! Spikes and all.

I have only found small amounts of information about growing them.
1) Low germination rate (% unknown)
2) Soak seeds for faster germination
3) Plant at 12 inch intervals and half in deep
4) Harvest small portions for extended production

So I soaked the seeds overnight and placed 4 or 5 seeds in each hole to ensure a plant at each desired location. That should take care of a 20 to 25% germination if it is that bad.

Finally the Questions.....

Has anyone here planted New Zealand Spinach?

Can you provide plant information, success stories, or growing tips?

Just looking to take the "trial and error" out of it.

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Some days there is more laughter than others....Just depends on what/who you focus on....

Thanks. I was hoping this was a bit more popular of a plant.

Looks like it's a trial and error thing, like before the Internet. (hopefully few errors)

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Some days there is more laughter than others....Just depends on what/who you focus on....

New Zealand spinach [Tetragonia tetragonioides].

I have been growing the New Zealand spinach in pots for more than 5 years now, but I just don't remember how I planted the seeds. What I can tell you is that they grow very fast, especially when watered regularly and will spread like weeds if not managed properly.

From Sunset Wester Book: "Sow seed in early spring after danger of frost is past; thin established seedlings to 1-1.5 ft. apart. Mature plants are spreading. Harvest greens by plucking off top few inches of tender stems and attached leaves. A month later new shoots will have grown up for another harvest. New Zealand spinach tolerates heat and drought but also thrives in cool, damp conditions."

Links:
http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/tetragonia_tetragonioides.htm

http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/t-tet.html

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Amor est vitae essentia.
Love is the essence of life.

The New Zealand spinach sounds interesting. I take it that it doesn't bolt in hot weather?,, How is the flavor and texture compared to 'longstanding' . Is it nice for both cooking and salads. I looove spinach, and have had two little bunches already, very early for any Michigan crop. I have also picked a few cute little marble sized radishes, as part of the thinning process. This is my second year for a garden and I am loving it.

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Hi lakegran

quote:

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The New Zealand spinach [NZ spiinach] sounds interesting. I take it that it doesn't bolt in hot weather?,, How is the flavor and texture compared to 'longstanding'

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1. The New Zealand spinach doesn't bolt in hot weather.

2. We blanch the NZ spinach before eating to remove the oxalate [bitter taste] whereas the Bloomsdale Long Standing [BLS} spinach can be eaten raw, not bitter and sweet.

3. While BLS spinach is tender, the NZ spinach is somewhat thick and coarse.

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Amor est vitae essentia.
Love is the essence of life.