New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) Tetragonia tetragonioides
New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is an annual vegetable in the Aizoaceae family, native to Coasts of New Zealand, eastern Australia, Japan and Chile. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young shoot tips and leaves, cooked |
| Native to | Coasts of New Zealand, eastern Australia, Japan and Chile |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves (raw)
Leaves contain oxalates (and saponins); blanch and discard the water before eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens)
- How far apart should I plant New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Leaves contain oxalates (and saponins); blanch and discard the water before eating.
- What grows well with New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for New Zealand spinach (warrigal greens). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Frost-tender; short-lived perennial in mild climates, grown as an annual elsewhere. Seed has a hard coat and is soaked before sowing.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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