How to grow Spinach in New Zealand
Spinach is a fast, tender, nutrient-packed leaf for the cool months. It grows quickly but is short lived, and it runs to seed fast once the days get long and hot, so sow it from autumn through to early spring. For summer leaves, grow silverbeet, perpetual spinach or New Zealand spinach instead.
📖 Our full guide: When to Plant Spinach in NZ: How to Grow Spinach by Region
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | March to September | |
| Auckland | March to September | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | March to September | |
| Central North Island | March to September | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | March to September | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March to September | |
| Canterbury | March to September | |
| Otago & Southland | February to April, August to November | Sow Aug to Nov and again Feb to Apr. Cool summers slow bolting; midwinter sowings sit in cold soil. |
| Central Otago | February and March, August to October | Sow Aug to Oct and Feb to Mar. It bolts in the summer heat and the soil is frozen in midwinter. |
Not to be confused with: Silverbeet and perpetual spinach, which are beet relatives that cope with heat, and New Zealand spinach (kokihi), a native coastal plant grown in summer.
Where to plant
Spinach prefers full sun in the cooler months and soil rich in compost or sheep pellets that stays moist. It does not do well in the heat of summer, when it bolts quickly. As spring warms, a spot with some afternoon shade extends the season.
- Northland to Canterbury: sow from March to September; avoid sowing in the heat of summer.
- Otago and Southland: sow from August to November and again from February to April. Cool summers slow bolting, while midwinter sowings sit in cold soil.
- Central Otago: sow from August to October and in February and March. It bolts in the summer heat and the soil is frozen in midwinter.
Choosing a variety
- Winter types such as Winter Queen or Winter Giant have large, dark leaves for cool-season growing.
- Oriental Imperial Green grows tall with upright leaves that stay clean of soil.
- Baby leaf types are quick, ready in six to eight weeks.
- Summer Supreme and similar varieties cope better with warmer weather than most.
- Perpetual spinach is actually a leaf beet: more heat tolerant, it grows year round with smaller leaves and thinner stems.
How to plant
- Sow seed direct or in trays about 10 mm deep, about 10 cm apart if sowing direct.
- Keep well watered until the seedlings are up.
- Transplant tray-grown seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves, about 10 to 15 cm apart.
- Mulch with pea straw to keep the soil evenly moist.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil constantly moist. If spinach dries out or gets stressed it goes to seed quickly. Feed every couple of weeks with a liquid fertiliser for fast, leafy growth.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick often for a steady supply.
- Sow small amounts every few weeks rather than a lot at once.
- Pull out plants once they start to flower, as the leaves turn bitter.
- Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.
Harvesting
Pick the outer leaves as soon as they are big enough, leaving the centre to keep growing, or cut whole plants for baby leaves. Spinach is best eaten fresh, raw in salads or wilted briefly.
Growing in pots
Spinach grows well in pots and troughs of quality potting mix. Keep the mix moist and move pots into light shade as the weather warms.
Companion planting
Spinach is a quick cool-season crop that fits around slower plants.
Good companions
- Strawberry Shares the bed over winter and spring and is picked before the strawberries spread.
- Peas Another cool-season crop; spinach fits at the base of a pea trellis.
Pests and diseases
Leaf miner, slugs and downy mildew are the main problems.
Pests to watch for
- Leaf miner Pale, papery blotches inside the leaves. Pick off affected leaves.
- Slugs Holes in the leaves and seedlings eaten overnight.
- Aphids Small insects clustered under the leaves.
Diseases to watch for
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on top of the leaves with grey-purple fuzz underneath in cool, damp weather.
- Leaf spot Small brown spots on older leaves.
Common questions
Why does my spinach go to seed so quickly?
Spinach bolts when days get long and warm, or when it dries out or is stressed. Sow it from autumn to early spring, keep it evenly moist, and choose a slow-bolting variety for spring sowings.
Can I grow spinach in summer?
True spinach struggles in summer heat. For summer leaves, grow silverbeet, perpetual spinach or New Zealand spinach, which all cope with heat.
Is perpetual spinach real spinach?
No, it is a leaf beet, a close relative of silverbeet. It tastes similar, is more heat tolerant and grows year round.
How long does spinach take to grow?
Baby leaf types can be picked in six to eight weeks. Larger types take a little longer.
When should I sow spinach in New Zealand?
From autumn to early spring in most areas. In Otago and Southland, sow in spring and again in late summer to autumn. Choose your region at the top of the page.
Sources we checked: Tui: Spinach growing guide; Yates NZ: How to grow spinach; Kings Seeds: Spinach range.