GROWING NOTES

If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seeds as they will catch up fast. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out seedlings, so they are 10-12 inches apart, because this is a rampant branching plant that needs room to spread. Another crop can be sown at midsummer for extended harvesting until frost or cold winter weather.

HARVEST AND USE

When young plants are established and start branching, begin harvesting by pinching off the leaf tips or cut individual stems, leaving plants several inches long to branch and regrow. Water and fertilize lightly after cutting. While it can be eaten raw, we recommend always steaming or sautéing the leaves. When lightly cooked, New Zealand “spinach” tastes like a very succulent “hot weather spinach.” High in vitamin A and C and a good source of calcium, it is both delicious and seriously nutritious!