Mason Brock (Masebrock) / Public domain
garden
New zealand spinach
Tetragonia tetragonioides
EdibleDrought Tolerant
Overview
Not a true spinach but a heat-tolerant alternative that produces succulent, triangular leaves throughout the hottest months when regular spinach has long bolted. This coastal plant from New Zealand and Australia was collected by Captain Cook's crew as a scurvy preventive. Its waxy leaves are more succulent than spinach and thrive in conditions too hot and dry for conventional greens.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones9 — 13
Height0.2m
Spread1m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeSandy, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Apr — May | Start indoors 3-4 weeks early; soak seeds 24 hours; not true spinach |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost; thrives in heat unlike regular spinach |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Pinch tender shoot tips 3-4" long; promotes branching |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after last frost; soak seeds overnight |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Harvest shoot tips regularly; plants get bushier with cutting |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Apr — Jun | Sow after frost; sprawling habit — space 12" apart |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Oct | Cut-and-come-again through summer; does not bolt |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Sow in spring; excellent hot-weather spinach substitute |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Harvest all season; tolerates heat that kills true spinach |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Sow in early spring; heat-loving ground cover |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Long harvest season; drought tolerant once established |
Uses
Culinary
- Cooked like spinach — sautéed, steamed, or in quiche
- Young leaves raw in salads
- Heat-stable for summer cooking when spinach is unavailable
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamins A and C
- Good source of iron and calcium
- Anti-scorbutic — historically used to prevent scurvy
Other Uses
- Heat-tolerant ground cover between taller crops
- Drought-resistant edible landscaping
