Tetragonia tetragonioides

New Zealand Spinach

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Edible perennial succulent with fleshy green leaves resembling spinach, known for high heat tolerance and a spreading growth habit suitable for ground cover or containers.
yard Kitchen garden plants wb_sunny Half-shade / Sun pets Pet Friendly
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Plant Details

Common Name New Zealand Spinach
Family Aizoaceae
Genus Tetragonia
Species Tetragonioides
Origin New Zealand / Australia
Blooming Summer, small inconspicuous yellow flowers on mature plants
Leaf Color Deep green to grey-green
Sunlight Half-shade / Sun
Category Kitchen garden plants
Pet Friendly check Yes
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Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerant of poor and saline soils

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during germination and harvest; drought tolerant once established

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Sunlight & Care

Full sun to partial shade; thrives in high heat environments better than true spinach

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Fertilization

Apply compost at planting season; avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes leaf but reduces flavor

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Pruning

Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and prevent premature flowering

Pest Control Aphid Caterpillar Slug Snail

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 4 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 7 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
54° – 100°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
40% – 90%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
1500 – 45000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
2000 – 3500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
30% – 70%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
200 – 1500
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
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