When to Plant NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) in Perth — Mediterranean Guide

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.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 15–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

How to Grow NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) in Mediterranean Australia

When to Plant

September-March. Summer producer. Complements cool-season greens perfectly.

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.

Mediterranean Growing Tips for NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens)

Recommended Varieties

  • Standard Tetragonia tetragonioides

Key Challenges

  • Dies back in cool wet winters
  • Can self-seed and spread

Pro Tips

  • Excellent summer green for Perth/Adelaide when other greens struggle
  • Very low water requirement compared to lettuce or spinach
  • Allow to self-seed for perennial ground 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.

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