How to Grow Warrigal Greens
Tetragonia tetragonioides
Warrigal greens are a trailing, heat-tolerant leafy green from coastal Australia and New Zealand. Sow after last frost in well-drained soil in a warm, sunny spot. Soak seeds overnight to aid germination. Pick shoot tips regularly to keep plants bushy and productive through summer. Blanch before eating. Plants collapse at first frost — harvest everything beforehand.
When to Start
Sow indoors 3 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 12°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced liquid feed once a month. Overly rich feeding produces lush growth prone to pests. Warrigal greens are naturally vigorous on modest fertility.
- An excellent heat-tolerant spinach substitute that thrives in summer when true spinach bolts. Originally from coastal Australia and New Zealand. The succulent, slightly crystalline leaves are mild-flavoured. Soak seeds overnight before sowing to improve germination. Self-seeds freely in mild climates.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–25°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 45 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Sow depth | 1.5 cm |
| Mature height | 40 cm |
| Mature spread | 90 cm |
Warrigal greens spread vigorously — allow generous spacing. Can be planted closer and thinned as plants establish.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew; distorted growing points
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing pyrethrins
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves; slime trails; seedlings eaten at ground level
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around plants
- Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps
- Encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around vulnerable plants
Disease Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves; more common in dry weather with warm days and cool nights
Treatment: Improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; water at the base not overhead
Prevention: Space plants well; avoid drought stress; water regularly at the base
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Warrigal Greens?
- Plant Warrigal Greens 45cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Warrigal Greens?
- Warrigal Greens is ready to harvest approximately 35 days after transplanting.
- Is Warrigal Greens frost hardy?
- Warrigal Greens is classified as Half Hardy.
