My Favorite Spinach That Can Take the Heat

[@evelynm.8967]

That snap when you took a bite of the spinach! Sounds like a tasty green.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

It is. They are very succulent and juicy, love this green!

[@oreopaksun2512]

I tried growing NZ spinach from seed (Baker Creek Seeds via Elise' seed store), and did everything: soaking, scarifying, warmth, wet paper towel, coco coir. Three attempts, and after 3 months, complete....nothing. So I dumped all the seed starter mix into a container for a fruit tree and planted other things. Sometime in the summer, I noticed a little seedling under the fig tree. And having studied this plant every which way, actually recognized the leaves as NZ spinach (hanging off Elise' daughter's mouth). The runt has grown, and cuttings have grown, like weeds. So, if you want to try this plant, make friends, and try to get a cutting!

[@FairyRosee_]

Thank you my first spinach ever is going to seed as summer is starting. A smoky spinach sounds amazing

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Give it a try, I love it!

[@francestutt3661]

I am looking forward to planting this and learning more from you I am new to gardening in FL. I have a tower garden because the iguanas are really bad here in Sanibel. They have gotten worse.

[@deargciarog]

Hi from Orlando. Thank you for this. Just getting into gardening and I'm looking forward to planting this!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Its one of my favorite greens!

[@soniahofmann4969]

Your daughter is gorgeous thank you for all the tips I live in Southwest Florida I really appreciate your tips I use your Channel all the time thank you so much give that beautiful little girl a big hug for me she looks like she takes after you

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

You are so welcome! And will do : )

[@EatSeeRV]

I first learned about New Zealand Spinach at one of your talks in St. Pete and now we've planted some of our own. We just added it to a pizza the other day and it was delicious! Such a yummy varietal. Thanks for creating :)

[@EatSeeRV]

ALSO THE BABY EATING IT IS SO CUTE!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Awesome!

[@tropical-fruit-Florida]

Thank you for the seeds and the information in the video, which should now help me grow some great greens.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Sure think Ian! Enjoy : )

[@robertdonnelly7897]

So when to start this variety for central Florida? Can this variety be grown thru the fall & Fl occasional frost or use other varieties for fall?

[@Traveler1226]

I will definitely look for this. I grow longevity spinach and Okinawa spinach. Both of which are not real spinach but can be treated like spinach. I planted both around the yard. And they require no maintenance from me. Perineals like this are always welcome in my garden. Thanks for the new idea.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Absolutely! Not sure if you've tried Malabar but that's another spinach alternative.

[@Traveler1226]

Oh yes. I forgot about tat one. It loves the shade under my big oak tree. I put all of those and Egyptian spinach in my morning smoothies.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

@@Traveler1226 Nice. I love being able to use shady spots productively!

[@sarahs.9340]

Thanks, I will try this one. Greetings from Tampa Bay area.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Its a wonderful green and so hardy! Hi from across the bay : )

[@gruboniell4189]

Australian native too

[@michelleabrams4472]

Awesome!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Its a tasty one!

[@crystalrowan]

I'd be interested in videos on how to harvest greens. I always have a hard time with knowing where to cut/pull from, etc. as I don't want to damage the plant or stop it from continuing to grow.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

3 ways to harvest leafy greens : ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKathmxplrWBmck

[@workingwithricky694]

Thanks for the tip. Baker creek has some great veggies seeds!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Yes huge selection & quality seed!

[@gruboniell4189]

As a staple you should blanch it to remove oxalates or you will get sick. Boil for 2 min then use them.

[@mariebrumer3440]

New Zealand is good. Btw that little girl is so cute!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Thank you : )

[@KimClark-1]

I like how heat tolerant this plant is, but what will it do in the winter time? Will it die, slow down growth or just keep growing? Is it perennial? Will it self sow if allowed to flower? Trying to do a perennial greens garden. Great video- thanks!

[@oreopaksun2512]

My "mother plant" survived this winter and the 26 degree lows we had. I wrapped the fruit tree container (w/NZ spinach growing under) in a sheet, and everything went under roof in lanai. Some leaf yellowing and stress, but it bounced back fine. I would say NZ is a tender perennial, thrives in heat and humidity, muddles through in cool weather; and it will self seed, though I have not had any volunteers yet. For insurance, I would pop a few cuttings in water b4 a freeze, and they will grow baby plants like champs.

[@KimClark-1]

@@oreopaksun2512 That does help! I bought the seeds and what you repot gives me confidence. Thank you!

[@thegrynne]

Down under we call it Warrigal greens

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Ive heard that. Delicious!

[@mystiquerose620]

Hi...im reading online that it's safer to cook the leaves from New Zealand spinach oppose to eating it raw..i would like to use the spinach leaves in spinach pies..do I need to Blanche the leaves b4 baking in the oven?thank you

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I would blanche so they get more tender. They do have oxalic acid just like normal spinach so if you eat a ton it can build up. Most people dont consume enough for it to matter but if your sensitive or have a health condition always better to error on the side of caution.

[@mystiquerose620]

@@TheUrbanHarvest hi😊thank you for all your help

[@beautybyhammerllc]

Finally a SoFlo gardener

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Hi there : )

[@gritandgrace6425]

So when is it ok to plant this in our area? What month? Is now too late? Thank you so much!!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

You can plant it now through April or May.

[@barbaraperry2796]

When should I direct sow it outside?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

depends on where you are in the state. check out my what to plant when guide on my website to figure out good months.

[@barbaraperry2796]

@@TheUrbanHarvest thank you, I will.

[@snsmystic]

Mine died before it got to true leaves. Tips on how to get it to survive from seed?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

consistent water and if it was peak summer like it is now planting where it gets afternoon shade.

[@angelicatitus]

When do you plant it out?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Spring is ideal but your can push it to early summer as long as you stay on top of watering initially.

[@duhaimap1]

I've had these seeds in starter cells for almost 3 weeks and although they've turned black they have not germinated. Should I wait or call it quits with these little buggers.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Germination can be tricky on these. They do take a long time but also benefit from soaking for 24 hours prior to planting. Leave those in there and see but if you do have more seed try the soaking then planting method to speed things up a bit. The first time I planted I direct sowed and thought they were a bust then a month later out of no where a ton popped up. Give it time because they really are a wonderful crop for Florida!

[@gruboniell4189]

As a staple you should blanch it to remove oxalates or you will get sick. Boil for 2 min then use them.