Growing NZ Spinach, also Warrigal greens

Tetragonia expansa : Aizoaceae / the fig-marigold family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N 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 64°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Pick the tips.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Does better if alone.

Your comments and tips

13 Nov 11, Michris Janse van Rensburg (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
I am from South Africa where can get seeds I want plant it for the poor people here
02 Nov 10, Nina (Australia - temperate climate)
please don't forget that Warrigal greens are poisonous unless blanched.
23 Mar 13, Glen Op den Brouw (Australia - arid climate)
It is completely untrue that warrigal greens are poisonous. They contain oxalates just like all members of the spinach family. They dont carry silly warnings at the supermarket saying you must blanch this or warning contains oxalates. Just treat warrigal greens as spinach and dont believe the misinfornation.
03 Nov 10, Kate (Australia - arid climate)
? I eat them all the time and don't think I've suffered any ill effects. Also the chickens seem to love them, are they poisonous for hens too?
22 Nov 13, Glen Op den Brouw (Australia - temperate climate)
My chicken love it as well, but in moderation. they know when they've had enough.
19 Oct 10, Jeanie kirk (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a small amount of Warrigal green seeds to give away
28 Oct 12, (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Jeanie I am very interested in your Warrigal seeds. How can this be arranged? My email is bobncol@ hotmail.com and I am in Brisbane Cheers Bob Firth.
13 May 15, Flavia (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I would love some warrigal seeds. Could you post me some? THX Flavia
08 Oct 10, Geoff Clarke (Australia - temperate climate)
I presume Warrigal Green can be propogated from cuttings.Appreciate any advice.
13 Nov 11, Wauker (Australia - temperate climate)
Geoff, just came across this message board. Yes these can be grown from cuttings, like lawn runners in fact. I find this vegetable the same as English spinach, it doesn't leave that metallic taste that the silver beet leaves you with.
Showing 31 - 40 of 43 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about NZ Spinach

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.