Tetragonia tetragonioides
Family: Tetragoniaceae

Native to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Tetragonia tetragonioides was collected by Sir Joseph Banks during his Pacific voyages with James Cook, and it was he who introduced it to England. This perennial, some-what succulent, trailing plant is grown for its leaves, especially in summer, when other green vegetables tend to run to seed. It is low-growing, with leaves smaller than those of true spinach. Freshly picked leaves are sweet and tender.

Cultivation

This vegetable will grow in poor, sandy soil in fairly deep shade, although sunny conditions will produce a better quality plant. Propagate from seed sown in spring. Soak seed before planting at a depth of about 2.5 cm (1 in), and keep moist until seedlings come up. Space them 30-60 cm (12-24 in) apart within rows, allowing about 1 m (3 ft) between rows, as this plant spreads out to form a mat. Applications of liquid fertilizer when plants are actively growing will assist leaf formation. New shoots are produced after young shoots and leaves have been picked.

Climate

Zone 9. New Zealand spinach is frost-tender, but can be grown as a summer annual.