Despite its name, New Zealand spinach is not actually part of the spinach family. Because of its similar taste and uses, it is considered as a substitute for regular spinach. New Zealand spinach is heat tolerant and thrives in the warm, dry summer months unlike regular cool weather spinach. It is also known to be resistant to many pests and diseases.

No, New Zealand spinach is heat and drought tolerant.
For the best flavor, New Zealand spinach should be watered regularly. However, it can still grow well with little water. High temperatures or a lack of water will not cause this spinach to bolt like it would a regular cool season spinach. This is one of the reasons New Zealand spinach is considered a great substitute for spinach in the hot summer months.

Yes, New Zealand spinach can make for a great container or potted crop.
It's recommended to use a pot 10-12” deep with drainage holes in at the bottom. Be sure to water often and keep the soil moist. Mulching the top layer of soil in the pot will help to keep soil from drying out. Place your plant in a warm area that receives lots of sunlight.

For full grown spinach, harvest the leaves when they are 3-4 inches in length. For baby spinach the leaves can be picked as soon as they are big enough to eat (around 2 inches). Pick the outer leaves and leave the inner leaves to continue growing for a continuous harvest.