New Zealand Spinach
Price: $2.95
SKU: 3360021'New Zealand' spinach, by its very nature, tends to be difficult to start and have low germination rates. The federal minimum standard is 40%. Soaking seeds in warm water for two to eight hours prior to sowing may help soften the seed coat and improve germination results. Additionally, it can take a couple of weeks for germination to occur (depending on weather). Keep soil moist until germination occurs. Flavor and texture do benefit from ample composting, mulching and watering.
'New Zealand Spinach is a very old heirloom introduced into England in 1772 by Sir Joseph Banks. It was reportedly discovered during the South Seas expedition of Captain Cook. Each packet contains four grams, which is approximately 400 seeds.
Sowing: Prepare the seedbed outdoors using a hard tined rake, smoothening out the soil. Lightly sow and just barely cover the seeds with soil. Keep soil moist until germination is achieved. You can also start seeds indoors by sowing into seed starting trays using fresh new seed starting potting mix into clean seed starting trays. Just barely cover the seeds and keep well watered until they sprout. Harden off and transplant into the garden after about 3 weeks.
Customer Reviews:
By Patty Carroll on January 19, 2020
I have not had to buy more seed. I have had the same plants for over a year now. I give my friend a garbage bag full of the spinach including stems once a week. It just keeps going.
By Elene Gusch on May 9, 2017
In our hot, dry climate, most greens bolt quickly. New Zealand Spinach is a bit different from kale, chard, etc., and not great raw like real spinach, but it keeps going through the whole summer. Extremely useful in many dishes and has a mild taste. I think everyone should grow it, yet few people seem to have even heard of it.
By Don Calzia on August 23, 2016
We, as well a neighbors, enjoyed bountiful harvests right up until July first, when we had abnormally high temps in the 105 to 110F. Thereafter, one prolific plant completely died out, and now the others are similarly declining. I was hoping to continue through the winter as it is warm here.
By Amber Schooley on September 7, 2014
I love the taste of this plant. Slightly milder than spinach, although the texture is a little different. I love that it doesn't go bitter when it flowers. I love it in salads, on sandwiches, and in shakes. I use a lot of it because we use over two cups in a shake every morning. I had trouble with germination in the beginning; I planted all of the seeds and only got four plants out of it. One warning, though: if you let the flowers go to seed, make sure to isolate the leaves before use. It was not particularly pleasant getting immature seeds in my shake.
By Joe DeMeo on February 5, 2014
May 1st I planted these seeds as directed and it took almost 2 weeks for just a couple to germinate so I planted what seeds I had left. They came up great and grew wonderfully all year! The plant was more of a vine than a bushy plant and had such green fuzzy leaves. My Kale next to it was bothered my cabbage moth but the spinach was left totally alone. I enjoyed fresh spinach salads until the cold fall!
By Tim Brown on March 30, 2013
Definately had no issues with germination. Once it started I could barely keep up with it...very productive and tastes good also!... Keeper for sure!
By Janet Melton on January 26, 2013
The ever bearing packet of seeds.(It just seemed that way) I just purchased my second packet of seeds. The first one was seven or eight years ago. Each seed produces a wonderful plant that is full and large and green and keeps producing all season long. So you don't need to plant many unless you have a really large family. I love it in salads and to cook with too.
