New Zealand spinach grows into a hardy, bush-like plant with small, fleshy, triangular-shaped leaves. Its heat and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for gardeners in warmer climates. This cut-and-come-again variety provides a continual harvest, and its seeds benefit from soaking in water overnight before planting due to their hard shells. New Zealand spinach offers a unique flavor and texture, making it a distinctive addition to any garden.
Spinach Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow spinach seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 4–6 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer to early fall.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Spinach prefers cool temperatures and well-draining, fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Spinach grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall to give each plant room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start spinach seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50–65°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 40°F and the plants have 2–3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 4–6 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Spinach
- Sunlight: Provide full sun in cooler weather or partial shade in warmer weather. Spinach thrives in cool temperatures and may bolt (go to seed) in hot weather.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Fertilizing: Spinach is a light feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks to encourage leafy growth.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest spinach leaves when they are 4–6 inches long, cutting outer leaves first and allowing the inner leaves to grow. For a full harvest, cut the entire plant just above the soil line.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest.
