Botanical Interests
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Product Details
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.
Your hardiness zone is
- 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.
Sprouts in: 10–20 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): ½"
Space Seeds: 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.
- Ethan A.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMay 20, 2026Interesting!
It grows a bit slowly and germination is iffy, but I can’t wait to see how big it gets! My pot is too small so I’ll have to move it. The seeds look very cool btw
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerEGEpic GardeningMay 25, 2026Hey Ethan,
We love hearing about your New Zealand Spinach Seeds adventure! You're right that they can be a bit slow to get going and germination can be tricky, but once they take off they're such fascinating plants to watch grow. We're excited that you're planning to give it more room to spread out - it's definitely going to appreciate that extra space! And yes, those seeds are pretty unique looking aren't they? Thanks for sharing your New Zealand spinach growing journey with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Michelle Y. Q.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsAug 1, 2026This will be in constant rotation
Germinated beautifully. I love that I can grow this as a perennial here in zone 8. Gorgeous plant with a wonderful flavor. Highly recommend.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningAug 1, 2026Hey Michelle,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the New Zealand Spinach Seeds! The fact that these beauties germinated so well and that you're able to grow them as a perennial in zone 8 is awesome - that's the kind of success we love to hear about! And we're thrilled that you're enjoying both the gorgeous plant and that wonderful flavor. Having seeds you'll want to plant again and again is the ultimate compliment, and we can't wait to see this become a constant rotation in your garden! Thanks for sharing your growing success with us and for being such an amazing gardener! Keep on growing 🌻
- Diane B.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 starsJun 13, 2026Heat tolerant spinach
This spinach appears to thrive in the desert heat. I can’t wait to eat it in a salad.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerEGEpic GardeningJun 13, 2026Hey Diane,
It's fantastic to hear that your New Zealand Spinach Seeds are thriving in that desert heat! That heat tolerance is exactly what makes this variety such a game-changer for hot climate gardeners. We're excited for you to enjoy those fresh salad greens soon - there's nothing quite like homegrown spinach! Thanks for sharing your New Zealand spinach success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Tiffany T.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 starsApr 22, 2026Poor germination
Poor germination. Was looking forward to having spinach in my hot climate but it seems I'll be another year without it.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningMay 3, 2026Hey Tiffany,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Lisa H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJan 7, 20255 Stars
These seeds look great.
