Spinach Seeds,
New Zealand

New Zealand spinach should be planted after all danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring. It can tolerate the heat well, continuing to grow when regular spinach would bolt. In milder climates, it can be grown year-round​.

Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart. Soaking seeds for 24 hours before planting can help speed up germination​.

New Zealand spinach grows in full sun but can benefit from some shade during the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates. It prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular watering ensures that the leaves are tender and prevents the plants from wilting. Applying mulch around the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

• In spring, plants will grow tall and bloom (or bolt) as soon as the days are longer than 14 hours. Heat also speeds up bolting, since spinach prefers temperatures between 35 and 75 degrees.
• Commercial spinach seed crops are separated by 5-10 miles. Spinach pollen is so fine that it easily penetrates mesh screening, but is severely restricted by spun polyester fabric.
• Plants are either male or female. Maintain a ratio of one male to two female plants, though this is hard to determine until the seed stalks have formed. Close plantings in wide beds will provide the greatest chance that the ratio will be hit.
• Starting at the bottom of the plants, strip off the seeds (using gloves for the prickly type) in an upward motion, letting them fall into a bag.
• Allow to completely dry and store.
• They will retain 50% germination for up to 5 years when stored in ideal conditions (cool, dry, and dark).