How to Grow Spinach in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
A cool-season crop best sown autumn to early spring, as it bolts quickly once summer heat arrives. In the warmest months grow silverbeet or perpetual spinach instead.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant spinach in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Auckland | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Wellington | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Canterbury | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Otago & Southland | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
| Central Otago | March, April, May, June, July, August, September |
Best spinach varieties for NZ
- Bloomsdale Long Standing, Crinkled dark leaves, slower to bolt than most true spinach. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Winter Giant / English Spinach, Smooth-leaved cool-season spinach for autumn and winter sowing. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow spinach
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 55 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow spinach near: Strawberry, Pea.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Leaf miner, Slugs, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
When it goes wrong
The most common ways spinach trips people up, and what to change next time:
Bolts to seed quickly
Heat and long days. Grow it in the cool months, or grow silverbeet and warrigal greens over summer instead.
Pale yellow leaves
Hungry or waterlogged. Feed with a nitrogen-rich liquid and check drainage.
🌱 Plant Spinach in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant spinach in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, May, June, July, August, September. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy spinach seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Yates NZ.