When to Plant NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) in Canberra, Cold / Highland Guide

Sow October to February. Right now in September it is out of season. The next sowing month is October.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) guide is written for the Cold / Highland zone, which takes in Canberra, Cooma and Bright. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

New Zealand spinach, also known as warrigal greens or Botany Bay greens, is an Australian and New Zealand native plant that produces thick, succulent-like triangular leaves with a spinach-like flavour. Unlike true spinach, it thrives in heat and poor soils, making it the ideal summer leafy green for Australian gardens. It was historically eaten by Indigenous Australians and was collected by Joseph Banks during Cook's first voyage.

Planting Calendar for Cold / Highland

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D - - - - - - - S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) sowing time in Canberra?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Cold / Highland zone right now, NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 11.2°C (optimal range: 15–25°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Canberra), not a live sensor.

How to Grow NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) in Cold / Highland Australia

When to Plant

December-February only. Very short season in cold highlands.

Soil
Tolerates a wide range of soils including poor, sandy, and slightly saline conditions. Performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Does not need rich soil.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun in most zones. Part shade in extreme heat (arid, tropical). Tolerates coastal salt spray.
Spacing
60cm apart, 90cm between rows
Watering
Very drought tolerant once established. Water weekly in dry weather for best leaf production. Tolerates neglect. Overwatering in heavy soil can cause root rot.

Companion plants: Tomato, Corn, Pumpkin (as ground cover beneath tall crops), Fruit trees (as understorey)

Avoid planting near: No known antagonists. Very easygoing companion.

Cold / Highland Growing Tips for NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens)

Recommended Varieties

  • Standard Tetragonia tetragonioides

Key Challenges

  • Short frost-free window
  • Slow growth
  • May not establish well

Pro Tips

  • Marginal crop for cold highlands
  • Grow in greenhouse or cold frame for extended season
  • Start well in advance in pots under cover

Harvesting NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens)

When ready: Growing tips and leaves are plump, fresh, and dark green. Harvest when tips are 8-15cm long. Younger leaves are more tender.

How to harvest: Pinch or cut growing tips (last 5-10cm) including 3-4 leaves. This encourages branching and more production. Never strip all leaves from a stem.

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the cold and highland zone this September: Sweet Corn, Beetroot, Chilli Peppers and Snow Peas.

Get the Full Interactive Guide

Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.

Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy

Common Questions About NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens)

When do you plant nz spinach in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does nz spinach grow all year round in Canberra?

No. In the Cold / Highland zone the planting months are Jan to Feb, Oct to Dec. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Cold / Highland zone, Canberra is its reference city.