How to Grow New Zealand Spinach

Updated June 2026

A warm-season leafy green for the home garden.

New Zealand Spinach is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

🌱 Plant profile: New Zealand Spinach, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Plant New Zealand Spinach in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the new zealand spinach page for exact timing.

Varieties

• New Zealand Spinach, Heat-proof spinach substitute (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 24 in between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 0.5 in deep.
• Water: roughly 0.8 gal per plant every 4 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, space plants for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

New Zealand Spinach is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant new zealand spinach where you garden.

See also: New Zealand Spinach in the plant library →

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