Spinach Seeds - New Zealand

• Seed Count: 40 seeds
• Maturity Date: 50-60 days from planting
• Plant Type: Trailing, vine-like growth habit
• Leaf Description: Triangular, succulent-like leaves
• Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil
• Planting Instructions: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing 12 inches apart
• Drought Tolerance: High drought resistance once established
• Culinary Uses: Ideal for salads, stir-fries, and as a cooked green

History: New Zealand Spinach, or Tetragonia tetragonioides, has been traditionally harvested and utilized by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, known in Māori as 'Kōkihi'. It gained broader recognition during the age of exploration when sailors used it as a fresh source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy due to its high nutritional value.

Uses: This leafy green is valued for its culinary versatility. The mild flavor and tender leaves of New Zealand Spinach make it an excellent addition to salads, stir-fries, and as a cooked green in various dishes, serving as an alternative to conventional spinach, especially in warmer climates where traditional spinach may not thrive.

Growth Habit & Planting Instructions: New Zealand Spinach showcases a trailing, vine-like growth habit, suitable for both ground cover and trellising in gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in well-drained soil. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep, maintaining a distance of 12 inches between plants. This plant is more tolerant of heat and drought compared to regular spinach and requires regular watering until established. Once mature, it becomes more drought-resistant, making it a hardy addition to summer gardens.