Plant Profile

New Zealand spinachTetragonia tetragonoides

New Zealand spinach is the ultimate summer green for hot climates. While true spinach bolts quickly in the heat, this trailing member of the fig-marigold family thrives as temperatures rise. It produces succulent, triangular leaves and forms a dense carpet, making it an excellent living mulch or underplanting for tomatoes and corn.

Leafy vegetables Fig-marigold family

Calendar

New Zealand spinach: plant portrait. harvest: June - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Indoor sowing

Direct sowing outdoors

Planting outdoors

Harvest

Pruning

Indoor sowingDirect sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bed Raised bed Container Balcony Greenhouse

Good neighbors

tomatoCornCabbage

Avoid

No data

Indoor & direct sowing

New Zealand spinach: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Indoor pre-culture in pots recommended due to slow germination.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sowing only after the last frost when soil is sufficiently warm.

Seed depth1 - 2 cm

Germination temp15 - 25 °C

Germination time14 - 28 days

Light germinatorNo

Dark germinatorYes

Cold germinatorNo

Stratification neededNo

Pre-soaking recommendedYes

Planting & site

New Zealand spinach: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Plant out after the last frost; plants require significant space.

Plant spacing50 - 80 cm

Row spacing60 - 100 cm

Plants per m²2 - 4 per m²

Bed widthfrom 80 cm

Site & practical notes

Temperature & frost

New Zealand spinach: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 10 °C

Optimal temperature18 - 25 °C

Max. heatup to 35 °C

Soil temperature12 - 18 °C

Frost sensitiveYes

Late frost sensitiveYes

Heat tolerancehigh

Cold tolerancelow

Water & nutrients

New Zealand spinach: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium

Critical water phasesEstablishment phase, Summer heat waves

Watering methodWater at the base

Droughtlow

Waterlogging sensitiveYes

Mulching recommendedYes

Nutrient needmedium feeder

Compost recommendedYes

Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

New Zealand spinach: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes

Pot sizeVolume: from 10 l; Recommended: from 20 l; Depth: from 25 cm

SupportNo

Height20 - 40 cm

Width60 - 120 cm

Root depth20 - 40 cm

Yield0.5 - 1.5 kg

Year plan

New Zealand spinach Calendar

Plants

A must-have for the self-sufficient garden in midsummer.

Year overview

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Indoor sowing

Direct sowing outdoors

Planting outdoors

Harvest

Pruning

Recurring tasks

Start pre-cultureMarch - April

Pre-soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours.

Planting outMay - June

After last frost: Maintain wide spacing as plants spread vigorously.

Ongoing harvest and growth controlJune - October

Regular cutting every 1-2 weeks encourages bushy growth.

Relevant now

June

No additional single task

Next up

July

No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

January

Yellow-green

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

Overview

Self-pollination or pollination by small insects; wind pollination is also possible.

Notes

The small flowers attract few conspicuous pollinators but are mostly self-fertile.

Pruning & care

New Zealand spinach Pruning & care

Pruning type

pinching_and_heading_back

Pruning timing

Summer

Ongoing harvest and growth control Regular cutting every 1-2 weeks encourages bushy growth.

Remove

Preserve

Avoid

Tools and hygiene

Use clean tools to avoid soft rot at the cut surfaces.

Companion guide

New Zealand spinach Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

tomatoCornCabbage

Avoid

No data

Use & storage

New Zealand spinach Use & storage

Harvest

Continuous harvesting of shoot tips encourages bushy growth.

Storage

Short-term storage (fresh vegetable)

Storage life

Very short; loses crispness quickly.

Flavor

Mild, slightly acidic, similar to true spinach but more robust.

Harvest

Continuous harvesting of shoot tips encourages bushy growth.

Processing

After harvest

Use immediately or wrap in a damp cloth; wilts quickly.

Edibility & safety

New Zealand spinach Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Caution parts:Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules)

Raw consumption:Possible in small amounts, but blanching is recommended due to oxalic acid.

Safety notes

Contains oxalic acid and saponins; blanching reduces the content.

Animal safety

For animals, the specific plant part matters here: some parts may be suitable, while others should be avoided. At least one critical rating is listed for 2 animal types.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules)

Risk factors

Oxalic acid content, Saponin content, Mature plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

New Zealand spinach contains oxalic acid and saponins that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs when consumed in large amounts. Young leaves and tender shoot tips are suitable as an occasional treat in small amounts after blanching. Mature stems and seeds should be avoided. Consult a veterinarian if large amounts are ingested.

Open animal page

Cat

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

Oxalic acid content, Saponin content, Mature plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips can be fed in small amounts after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Consumption of raw plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset. Blanching significantly reduces oxalic acid content.

Open animal page

Rabbit

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in mature parts, Blanching reduces risk

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Kidney strain with overconsumption

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips are suitable for rabbits in small amounts after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Overconsumption may lead to kidney strain.

Open animal page

Guinea pig

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content when raw, Mature plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips can be fed in small amounts after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Overconsumption may pose a risk of kidney strain due to oxalates.

Open animal page

Hamster

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in raw parts, Mature plant parts, Overfeeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Kidney strain with excessive intake

observe

:Blanching reduces oxalic acid and saponins. Young leaves and shoot tips suitable as occasional treats in small amounts. Avoid mature parts and seeds due to oxalate risk. No hamster-specific studies, but conservative classification based on known compounds and tolerance in rabbits/guinea pigs. Kidney strain possible with excessive intake. Consult vet if symptoms occur.

Open animal page

Budgie

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in raw leaves, Mature plant parts, Overfeeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips can be fed in small amounts as a treat but should be blanched due to oxalic acid content. Tough stems, seeds, and mature fruits are not suitable and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if signs of poisoning appear.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules)

Risk factors

Oxalic acid content, Saponin content, Mature plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Kidney strain with excessive intake

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips can be fed in small amounts after blanching. Mature parts and raw consumption pose risks from oxalic acid and saponins. Not suitable as primary feed.

Open animal page

Chicken

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content when raw, Mature plant parts, Overfeeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting

observe

New Zealand spinach contains oxalic acid and saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in chickens when consumed in large quantities. Young leaves and tender shoot tips are tolerable after blanching or in small amounts raw and can be used as occasional greens. Tough stems, mature fruits, and seeds should be avoided due to higher concentrations of antinutrients. A balanced diet with sufficient calcium can…

Open animal page

Duck

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content when raw, Mature plant parts, Overfeeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting

observe

No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.

Open animal page

Goose

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content when raw, Mature plant parts, Overfeeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting

observe

New Zealand spinach contains oxalic acid and saponins that can cause gastrointestinal upset in geese when consumed in large amounts. Young leaves and tender shoot tips are suitable in moderation after blanching. Mature stems, seeds, and fruits should be avoided. Blanching significantly reduces oxalic acid content. If large amounts of raw plant material are consumed, observe and contact a veterinarian if symptoms…

Open animal page

Sheep

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules)

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in raw leaves, Consumption of mature seeds or woody stems

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Kidney strain with excessive intake

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips are suitable for sheep after blanching and are occasionally used as supplemental feed. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins, which can cause health issues if consumed excessively. Blanching significantly reduces oxalic acid content.

Open animal page

Goat

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in mature parts, Consumption of large amounts unblanched

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Kidney strain with excessive intake

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips are suitable for goats in moderation after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Excessive intake may pose kidney strain due to oxalate accumulation. Blanching significantly reduces oxalic acid content. No species-specific toxicity cases documented, but conservative assessment based on known compounds and…

Open animal page

Cattle

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules)

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in mature parts, Blanching reduces risk

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Kidney strain with high consumption

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips can be used as supplemental feed after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Consult a veterinarian if poisoning is suspected.

Open animal page

Pig

Young leaves, Tender shoot tips

Tough, woody stems, Mature fruits (seed capsules), Seeds

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content when raw, Consumption of mature seeds or woody parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

Young leaves and shoot tips are suitable for pigs in small amounts after blanching. Mature plant parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Blanching significantly reduces oxalic acid content.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

do not feed

Urgency

observe

Saving seed

New Zealand spinach Saving seed

Seed viability

3 - 5 years

Practical tips

New Zealand spinach Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Planting too closely; do not underestimate its urge to spread.

Success pattern

Lush carpet starting in July with regular watering.

High-impact tips

Plant as ground cover under tomatoes to save on mulch.

Grower observations

Germination can take frustratingly long; patience and warmth are key.

Health

Pests, Diseases

Deficiencies

Nitrogen deficiency

Pale green to yellowish leaves, slow growth.

Plant health

Diagnosis help

New Zealand spinach Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Disease groups

Fungal diseases (rare)

Prevention

Diagnosis

The plant is overall very robust against pests and diseases.

Cultural prevention

Monitoring

Weekly check of shoot tips for aphids

First response

Spraying with a water jet for aphid infestation

Diagnostic rules

Yellow leaves at the base

Possible causes: Nitrogen deficiency, Natural aging, Waterlogging

Check soil moisture
Check fertilization status

FAQ

Can you eat New Zealand spinach raw?

In small amounts yes, but blanching is recommended due to oxalic acid and saponins.

Is New Zealand spinach safe for Dog?

New Zealand spinach is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. New Zealand spinach contains oxalic acid and saponins that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs when consumed in large amounts. Young leaves and tender shoot tips are suitable as an occasional treat in small amounts after blanching. Mature stems and seeds should be avoided. Consult a veterinarian if large amounts are ingested.

Is New Zealand spinach safe for Cat?

New Zealand spinach is classified as do not feed for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Young leaves and shoot tips can be fed in small amounts after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Consumption of raw plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset. Blanching significantly reduces oxalic acid content.

Is New Zealand spinach safe for Rabbit?

New Zealand spinach is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Young leaves and shoot tips are suitable for rabbits in small amounts after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Overconsumption may lead to kidney strain.

Is New Zealand spinach safe for Cattle?

New Zealand spinach is classified as do not feed for Cattle. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Young leaves and shoot tips can be used as supplemental feed after blanching. Mature parts and seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Consult a veterinarian if poisoning is suspected.