Species New Zealand spinach

New Zealand spinach

Tetragonia tetragonioides

New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides), also called "sea spinach," is an edible perennial succulent plant native to coastal areas of New Zealand. It features bright green, triangular-shaped leaves, and grows in a spreading habitat. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sandy and gravelly soils near the sea, and is largely salt-resistant. As a result, it is a popular crop for homesteaders and coastal gardeners alike. It can be boiled, steamed, or eaten raw in salads. It is also a popular ingredient in omelets, soups, and pasta dishes.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

New Zealand spinach should be watered once a week or more often during dry periods. When watering, thoroughly moisten the soil and use lukewarm water. Make sure not to overwater the plant, as it prefers to be on the drier side. Additionally, the plant should be watered at the base of the plant rather than from the top, to ensure that foliage stays dry.

sunlight

New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is a plant that requires moderate sunlight to thrive. It does best when given 6-7 hours of sunlight per day, as providing too much sunlight can cause the plant to become dry and stunted. It can also handle some shade, especially if the summer months are particularly hot. During the colder months, the plant may need additional sunlight to make up for the shorter days. Morning or afternoon sun is best for this species of plant, as the intense, midday sun can be damaging.

pruning

New Zealand spinach should be pruned regularly throughout its growing season at least once per month. Pruning helps it to maintain its shape and encourages better growth and larger leaves. When pruning New Zealand spinach, remove any flower buds, dead or damaged stems, and yellowing leaves. This will help to keep the plant healthy and promote new, strong growth. It is also a good idea to trim off any stems or leaves that are crowding other plants, as this can help to prevent disease. The stems should be cut back about 1 third of their original length to keep the shape of the plant tidy. Always use fresh, sharp gardening scissors and take care to avoid damaging any living parts of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

New Zealand spinach typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

New Zealand spinach typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map