FULL SUN – SPINACH, New Zealand – Tetragonia expansa, native to New Zealand, this spinach substitute was brought to America in 1772. Unlike true spinach, New Zealand spinach can tolerate summer well. The plant produces a mound of leaves. The small, medium green, fleshy leaves have similar nutritional value to spinach. New Zealand spinach is a tender perennial. New Zealand spinach should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Soak ‘seeds’ for 24 hours before planting. ‘Seeds’ are actually the fruit of the plant and contain several seeds. Plant in rows should be 18 in. apart. When seedlings are 2 in. high, thin, leaving 6-8 in. between plants. Type Spacing Planting Depth Days to Germination Maturity Spinach 6-8 in. 1/2 in. 14-21 55
