New Zealand Spinach

I got seed for this plant years ago. My first time trying to grow it, it didn't sprout much. I was advised to put the entire package of seeds in because it has a low germination rate. I only got one or two plants out of the package but since then, it pops up everywhere. It doesn't go bitter when it blooms or when it makes seeds. It does have a bit of a fuzzy texture, but it works well cooked or in sandwiches or shakes. I have had this grow in poor soil under the original pot, and in the front yard over 20 feet away. I have noticed the poorer the soil, the darker it is. It doesn't mind the heat, being too wet, or a drought. I don't mind it growing everywhere because it is super easy to pull new plants out if I don't grow it there, and it doesn't seem to compete with other plants. At this pound I have an entire 2 by 3 foot patch of nothing but that.

This is one of the easiest things I have ever grown. Throw some seeds into the dirt and come back to massive amounts of spinach. The issue for me was the texture. It was almost waxy, but somehow reminded me of how my dogs ear feels at the same time with that soft subtle furriness that was just unpleasant when eaten raw. Texture aside this is a great plant, and with how hot summers can be in Michigan this plant was able to produce throughout the heat without an issue. Dare I say I may have neglected it a bit once I knew I wasn't a fan of the texture, but it kept on going strong.

Great Spinache that does well if taken care of. Needs afternoon shade in the deep south/FL/TX and likes semi wet feet. I imagine this thing is stellar up north and on the west coast if grown with the right mix of light and what not. I would think you could grow this with pole beans but didn't like my dry pole bean growing trellis this year but is growing exceptionally well with tomatoes right now of all things. Tastes pretty much like spinache. I need to grow a lot though so you can cook it because it cooks down so easily even steaming.

This is an excellent spinach (substitute) if you live where the climate swings can be rather drastic. It pops out fairly early, and is both heat and cold tolerant. It lasts after first frost and can withstand drought conditions (or having its "feet wet" for prolonged periods of time). It self-seeds if you allow, but doesn't overpopulate. With care, if you have too many plants in the spring you can remove them and transplant or give to a friend. I really have nothing bad to say about this stuff. I wish everything I grew in the garden was this easy to start and care for. It's literally something you plant and forget until you want some. Oh, and it also keeps well, for a fresh green. Simply rinse and put in a ziplock in the fridge, or give it away. Definitely recommend this to others!

I used transplanted seedlings and also directly sowed the seeds and had pretty much the same effect. Plants grow in vine-like stems with large leaves. Simply cut the stem and trim the leaves into your basket. Plants grew well all season right up to the first hard frost in the fall. Excellent production. Just make sure you have good loose soil with plenty of nutrients.