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Botanical Interests

New Zealand Spinach Seeds

New Zealand Spinach Seeds

Regular price $3.49
Sale price $3.49 Regular price
~4.0 g (~65 seeds)
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Product Details

Discovered by Sir Joseph Banks in New Zealand during the 1770 voyage of Captain James Cook, and enjoyed by 18th century gardeners, New Zealand is not true spinach but a great way to have spinach flavor all summer due to its heat-loving nature. Also known as perpetual spinach because it is perennial in USDA zones 8 and warmer and produces abundantly. Noted for high vitamin content, especially vitamin C; it was served on Captain Cook's ship to prevent scurvy. Small, young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Bothered by almost no insects, even snails and slugs! Drought tolerant once established, but grows best with moderate moisture.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Days to Maturity: 50–60 days

Family: Aizoaceae

Native: New Zealand, Australia, Asia

Hardiness: Evergreen perennial in USDA zones 8–11, otherwise grown as a warm season annual.

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall, 12"–36" wide

Variety Info: Fleshy, green 1"–2" leaves that taste like spinach

Attributes: Drought Tolerant, Good for Containers, Heat Tolerant, Frost Sensitive

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 65°F, ideally 70°–80°F.

When to Start Inside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date.

Days to Emerge: 10–20 days

Seed Depth: ½"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 8"

Row Spacing: 24"

Thinning: Thin to 1 every 8"

Growing Info

Harvesting: Harvest leaves as needed, only taking up to 1/3 of the plant for fast regrowth. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching, leading to more leaf production.

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 6 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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6 reviews
  • Lisa H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Jan 7, 2025
    5 Stars

    These seeds look great.

  • Alex R.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Oct 8, 2024
    5 Stars

    My local nursery has a great selection, so I rarely buy my seeds online. But the online exclusives like the scotch bonnet, nz spinach & blue poppy seeds were an amazing addition to my garden. The scotch bonnet was slow to start but is still cranking and the nz spinach should be around in my garden for as long as the sorrel is(forever, or until the deer come).

    The blue poppies will be waiting till next season, the red ones were beautiful so but not for baking good. Really looking forward to the poppy seed bread!!

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Steven L.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Aug 19, 2023
    5 Stars

    I live in zone 10a, and grow New Zealand spinach in pots on the screened balcony of a condo in a high-rise building. Delighted with the results. Hat-tip to Botanical Interests, Sir Joseph Banks, and Capt. Cook. (Tip for very hot weather: water lightly daily.)

  • Abigail
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    5 Stars

    I was interested in this variety for its heat tolerance, and it has not disappointed! The information on the packet was accurate and useful. It does take a long time for the seeds to germinate, but the plants grow well once the sprouts are up.

  • Robert
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    5 Stars

    I am pretty surprised how well this plant is doing in my growing zone (10a). Best part...aphids, grasshoppers and other pests stay clear of this. Young leaves are good raw mixed in with other salad greens while the older tougher leaves I like to saute.