[Anton]

I have tried some perpetual spinach for the first time this year (New Zealand spinach).
They have been growing for quite a while but not very fast. Maybe they are too close together. Any idea of the correct spacing please (in cm)?  How high do they normally grow? I was thinking they would be similar to spinach?

Anton

[JayG]

Spinach can be very confusing - what we call perpetual spinach here is otherwise known as spinach beet, but is actually a type of chard, and as such needs more space than true spinach.

Not familiar with New Zealand spinach, but each plant appears to grow to about 60cm tall X 60 cm across!

I dare say someone who has actually grown it will be able to provide some more information. 

[surbie100]

I plant mine about a foot apart and keep on top of the cropping or they turn into beasts.

[mumofstig]

Yes, Chiltern seeds suggests 2.5ft 

http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_1366_spinach_new_zealand_heirloomheritage_variety_seeds

[LottyLouis]

Oooh - chard. Absolutely LOVE it - grow it every year. Have tried all the different colours and types - and it's so easy. About a foot apart suits mine and we find just a few plants see us right. It's 'cut and come again' and goes on forever - maybe that's why it's called perpetual!  I also find they are relatively slug free - might have something to do with the leaves not being near the ground. We use the stems and leaves raw in salads when they are very teeny. Otherwise, stems steam beautifully as do the leaves which seem to hold their form and not go soggy. All in all - pretty near perfection in a veggie. Enjoy!     

[mumofstig]

Can I just point out before we have too many posts about chard    that New Zealand spinach which Anton is growing, is not chard - it is completely different.

[madcat]

My Kiwi MIL used to grow NZ Spinach.  It is prolific and hardy.  I think hers used to be a couple of foot apart ....   

[surbie100]

Can I just point out before we have too many posts about chard    that New Zealand spinach which Anton is growing, is not chard - it is completely different.

Sorry, I meant chard. 

[Anton]

Does it survive the winter?

Anton

[mumofstig]

On the link I posted above, it says

Unrelated to ordinary Spinach, this is a pleasant and interesting alternative with fleshy, brittle, green leaves that can be picked repeatedly until the plant is cut down by frost.

[lettice]

Looking at this, it certainly is very different to Spinach and Chard in both taste and the way it spreads as it grows.
A good overview of it here;

a1cJfr2jT8Q

[New shoot]

Does it survive the winter?

Anton

I think it is perennial if it is kept warm enough over winter.  I tried it outdoors and in the unheated greenhouse and it didn't make it through.  I liked the leaves, but OH wasn't too keen, so I haven't grown it since. 

[Anton]

Thanks for all your comments. I thinned out New Zealand spinach and eat the thinnings. Very tasty. The rest are now growing fast and furious. How doI harvest the others? Do I take off the branches or just the leaves?

Anton

[Anton]

I have a superabundance of New Zealand spinach, I may have asked this before, but will it survive the winter if I cover it with fleece, or at least spring back to life in the springtime?
Otherwise is there anyway of conserving this spinach (frozen like the supermarket spinach you buy!) and how would you go about it?

Anton

[mumofstig]

I have merged this with your previous thread which answers your question 


I've not frozen spinach, so perhaps someone else will advise........