New Zealand Spinach (Espinaca)

New Zealand spinach, as its name implies, is indigenous to New Zealand. It resembles spinach (Spinacia oleracea), but its growth habits are very different. Unlike Spinacia oleracea, New Zealand spinach tolerates high temperatures (up to 95° F) and is killed by a frost.

It is due to this heat tolerance that New Zealand spinach is grown in parts of the tropical Americas. As is the case with Spinacia oleracea, leaves and shoots are harvested and boiled or used fresh in salads.

Production

Seeds are planted 12 to 16 inches apart in rows 30 to 40 inches apart. Harvesting can begin 40-50 days after planting.

Seed Sources

There are many companies that sell New Zealand spinach.