Growing NZ Spinach, also Warrigal greens
Tetragonia expansa : Aizoaceae / the fig-marigold family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | ||||||||||
| T | T | T |
(Best months for growing NZ Spinach in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)
- S = Plant undercover in seed trays
- T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
- Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C.
- Space plants: 45 - 60 cm apart
- Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Pick the tips.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Does better if alone.
NZ spinach has green, triangulated leaves and a spreading habit.
This is a coastal plant which natively grows on dune edges. It survives salt-spray in coastal gardens.
It can withstand hot, dry summer weather when real spinach tends to die off. Will self-sow and become widespread.
Soak seeds for one or two hours before sowing as the outer skin is hard.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating NZ Spinach
Can be used as a substitute for real spinach in cooking. Pick the growing tips at about 8 - 10 cm (4 - 6 in).
To remove oxalates it's a good idea to blanch the leaves for 3 minutes or so, then rinse the leaves in cold water before using them in salads or for cooking. (ABC TV)
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