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New Zealand Spinach

(Tetragonia expansa). A hardy or half-hardy annual, introduced by Sir Joseph Banks from New Zealand, where, amongst several other places, it is found native. The plants are cultivated in gardens for the use of the young leaves, which form a substitute for those of the ordinary Spinach. They are, however, of inferior quality when cooked; but, as the plants grow very vigorously, do not run to seed, and withstand drought much better than the other varieties, a few should always be grown in case of a substitute being required in summer. They are propagated by seeds, which are very hard, and should be steeped in water before being sown. Sow on a gentle hotbed some time in March; protect the seedlings afterwards until May, when they may be planted outside. Distances of about 3ft. each way will usually be sufficient; a little more space might be allowed in extra good soils. New Zealand Spinach prefers a rather light rich soil, and succeeds best on a border with southern aspect. If the leaves are pinched off, and used when young, others will be freely produced, and keep up a succession.