How to grow New Zealand Spinach (Kōkihi) in New Zealand
New Zealand spinach, kōkihi in te reo Māori and warrigal greens in Australia, is a sprawling native coastal plant with thick, triangular leaves that crops right through the warm months when true spinach bolts. It is drought tough, easy from seed and self-sows once established. The leaves must be blanched before eating to remove oxalates.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow New Zealand Spinach (Warrigal) in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to January | |
| Auckland | September to January | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to January | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to January | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to January | |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | |
| Central Otago | December |
Not to be confused with: True spinach, a different plant that bolts in summer heat, and silverbeet.
Where to plant
Kokihi grows naturally on New Zealand beaches among driftwood, in sand dunes and on rocky shores, so it copes with heat, wind, salt and dry, sandy soil. In the garden it grows in most soils in sun or part shade. Give it room, as a single plant sprawls widely, or let it trail over a bank or the edge of a raised bed.
In the wild it is classed as At Risk (Naturally Uncommon) and is threatened by disturbance of coastal sands and stony beaches, so grow it from bought seed rather than taking plants from the coast.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: sow from September to January once frosts are over.
- Wellington and Nelson: sow from October to January.
- Central North Island, Canterbury, Otago and Southland: sow in November and December; in Central Otago, in December. It is frost tender, but established plants often resprout from the base when warm weather returns.
How to plant
- Soak the seed in warm water for about two hours before sowing. Germination is naturally low, often only 40 to 60 percent, so sow generously.
- Sow about four seeds in each mound, or start them early in pots indoors.
- Thin to the strongest seedling in each mound, about 60 cm apart.
- Water in and keep moist while the seedlings establish.
Watering and feeding
Kōkihi is drought tough once established, but consistent watering keeps the leaves tender and prevents bitterness. A little compost or general fertiliser at planting is all it needs.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick regularly to keep fresh tips coming.
- Trim back sprawling stems to keep the plant in bounds.
- Once established it self-sows freely, so pull out seedlings you do not want.
Harvesting
Pick the young tips and leaves, about the top 5 to 10 cm of each stem, through the warm months; regular picking encourages more growth.
Before eating, blanch the leaves in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then drain and discard the water, which removes much of the oxalate. Do not eat the leaves raw. Use the blanched leaves like spinach in pies, frittatas, stir-fries and soups.
Growing in pots
Kokihi grows well in a large pot or trailing over the edge of a raised bed, in a sunny spot. Water regularly in summer.
Varieties
- Warrigal Greens (New Zealand Spinach)
Companion planting
Kokihi is a vigorous sprawler, best given its own space or a bank to cover.
Good companions
- Sea Celery Another coastal native with similar sandy-soil needs.
Pests and diseases
Kokihi is tough and has few problems apart from slugs and snails.
Pests to watch for
New Zealand Spinach (Kōkihi) is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Is New Zealand spinach a native plant?
Yes. Kokihi (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is indigenous to New Zealand and also grows in Australia, the western Pacific, Asia and South America.
Do I need to cook New Zealand spinach?
Yes. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for a couple of minutes and discard the water before eating, to remove oxalates. Do not eat it raw.
Why won't my New Zealand spinach seed germinate?
Its germination is naturally low, often 40 to 60 percent. Soak the seed in warm water for two hours, sow several seeds per spot, and be patient.
Can I pick kōkihi from the beach?
It is better not to. In the wild it is classed as At Risk, threatened by disturbance of coastal sands. Grow your own from seed.
Will New Zealand spinach come back next year?
Often. It is frost tender, but established plants usually resprout from the base when warm weather returns, and it self-sows freely.
Sources we checked: NZ Plant Conservation Network: Tetragonia tetragonioides (kōkihi); Kings Seeds: Spinach New Zealand.