How to grow Brazilian Spinach in New Zealand
Brazilian spinach, also called sissoo spinach (Alternanthera sessilis), is a low, mounding perennial with crunchy, glossy leaves used raw in salads or cooked like spinach. It loves summer heat, when ordinary spinach bolts, but it is frost tender, so in New Zealand it grows year round only in the frost-free north and as a summer crop elsewhere. It is grown from cuttings, and it has a dangerous look-alike, alligator weed, so get your plant from a reliable source.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Brazilian Spinach in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to December | |
| Auckland | September to December | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October to December | Frost tender. Plant cuttings Oct to Dec once the frosts are over; inland Waikato frosts kill it in winter. |
| Central North Island | December | Frost tender. Grow it as a summer crop in a tunnel house. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | November and December | Frost tender. Grow it as a summer crop, planted Nov to Dec in a warm spot out of the wind. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | November and December | Frost tender. Grow it as a summer crop, planted Nov to Dec in a warm sheltered spot. |
| Canterbury | December | Frost tender. Grow it as a summer crop in a tunnel house. |
| Otago & Southland | December | Frost tender. Grow it as a summer crop in a tunnel house. |
| Central Otago | December | Frost tender. Grow it as a summer crop in a tunnel house. |
Not to be confused with: Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), a close relative and one of New Zealand's worst weeds. It is a National Pest Plant Accord plant and Unwanted Organism, and Weedbusters notes it is spread by people mistaking it for the edible Alternanthera sessilis. Alligator weed has pink, soft, hollow stems and clusters of white clover-like flowers. If you are not sure what you have, call MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
Where to plant
Grow Brazilian spinach in moist, rich soil in part shade or sun, in a warm spot. It likes damp conditions and heat, and stops growing in cold weather. Frost kills it.
- Northland and Auckland: plant cuttings from September to December. In frost-free gardens it carries on as a perennial for years.
- Waikato and Bay of Plenty: plant from October to December once frosts are over. Inland Waikato frosts kill it in winter, so take cuttings in autumn to keep under cover.
- Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: grow it as a summer crop, planted in November or December in a warm, sheltered spot out of the wind.
- Central North Island, Canterbury, Otago and Southland, and Central Otago: grow it as a summer crop in a tunnel house, planted in December.
How to plant
- Take or buy cuttings about 10 to 15 cm long and remove the lower leaves.
- Root them in a glass of water or straight into moist potting mix; the stems root readily at the nodes.
- Plant out once roots form and frosts are over, about 40 cm apart, into soil enriched with compost.
- Water in and keep the soil moist while they establish.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moist, especially in hot weather. Brazilian spinach likes damp conditions and wilts quickly in dry soil. A liquid feed every few weeks in summer keeps fresh leaves coming.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick regularly to keep plants bushy and productive.
- In cold districts, take cuttings in late summer and keep them on a warm windowsill or under cover over winter for next season's plants.
- Keep it in the garden bed and out of drains, streams and damp waste ground.
Harvesting
Pick young leaves and soft tips as you need them, from across the plant so it stays bushy. Leaves keep up to four days in a bag in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Brazilian spinach grows well in a pot at least 25 cm wide in quality potting mix kept moist. A pot is a good way to grow it in cooler districts, as it can be brought under cover before the first frost.
Using it
The crunchy leaves can be eaten raw in salads or added to stir-fries, curries, omelettes and soups. Steam or boil it if you eat a lot, as the leaves contain oxalates, like ordinary spinach.
Propagation and saving seed
Grow it from stem cuttings, which root readily at the nodes. It is rarely grown from seed.
Varieties
- Brazilian Spinach (Alternanthera sissoo)
Pests and diseases
Brazilian spinach has few pests.
Pests to watch for
Brazilian Spinach is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Can I grow Brazilian spinach in New Zealand?
Yes, as a perennial in frost-free Northland and Auckland gardens, and as a summer crop elsewhere, planted after the frosts. In the south it does best in a tunnel house.
How do I grow Brazilian spinach?
From cuttings. Stems root readily at the nodes, in water or moist potting mix. Plant them out after the frosts, about 40 cm apart, and keep the soil moist.
Is Brazilian spinach the same as alligator weed?
No, but they are close relatives and can be confused. Alligator weed is a banned pest plant with pink, hollow stems and white clover-like flower clusters. Get cuttings from a reliable source, and if in doubt call MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
Can you eat Brazilian spinach raw?
Yes, the crunchy leaves are eaten raw in salads. If you eat a lot, steam or boil it, as it contains oxalates.
How do I keep Brazilian spinach over winter?
In frost-free gardens it carries on. Elsewhere, take cuttings in late summer and keep them under cover or on a warm windowsill until spring.
Sources we checked: Weedbusters: Alligator weed; Weedbusters: Banned and notifiable plants; Wikipedia: Alternanthera sessilis; Wikipedia: National Pest Plant Accord.