New Zealand Spinach
Tetragonia tetragonioidesfam. Chenopodiaceae
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Pl. E408 — Tetragonia tetragonioides
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IOverview
Overview
New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is a perennial plant native to regions including China, Japan, and New Caledonia. It thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and well-draining soil that can be light or medium in texture. Known for its edible shoots, this plant is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of New Zealand Spinach is its ability to grow up to 0.45 meters wide and 0.2 meters tall, making it an attractive addition to gardens while providing a light, full-sun requirement.
Quick answers
What is New Zealand Spinach?
New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is a perennial plant native to regions including China, Japan, and New Caledonia. It thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and well-draining soil that can be light or medium in texture.
Compare with:Atriplex dimorphostegia→Atriplex subcordata→Australian Saltbush Australian saltbush→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
New Zealand Spinach thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light or sandy. It can tolerate both dry and moist conditions but needs regular watering to ensure consistent growth. This perennial plant grows up to 0.2 meters tall and spreads to about 0.45 meters wide, making it suitable for beds or containers. Hardy in zones 8-11, it is best grown as an annual in cooler climates. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Harvest the shoots for edible use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m × 0.45 m
For first-time growers
How to grow New Zealand Spinach for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow New Zealand Spinach for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, small pots or garden bed, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil mix for containers; prepare garden beds with loose, sandy soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in rows 30-45 cm apart; transplant young plants 20-30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; protect from strong winds and direct sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back shoots regularly to encourage bushy growth; harvest young leaves and stems for eating.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Shoots
Edible uses: The shoots of New Zealand Spinach are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared in salads for a mild spinach-like flavor or steamed as a vegetable. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across5 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)PortugalSpain
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Bolivia
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Angola
Oceania1 region
native (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Northern Territory, Kermadec Is., Queensland, New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, South Australia, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, Norfolk Is.
introduced:Brazil South, Brazil Northeast, Bermuda, Ascension, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Chenopodiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Chenopodiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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