When to plant Warrigal Greens in Subtropical Australia

Subtropical zone — applies to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Temperate · Cool · Tropical · Arid.

Sow warrigal greens direct from August to November, dropping seed 5 mm deep once the soil has warmed. This native spinach substitute suits subtropical gardens well: it shrugs off the heat and humidity that flatten true spinach around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Germination is slow and uneven at 14–21 days, so soak the hard seed capsules overnight first. Space plants 30–50 cm apart in rows about 60 cm wide, giving the sprawling stems room to run. You will be picking tender tips within 60–90 days, and a single plant keeps cropping for months if you harvest regularly.

Sowing calendar — subtropical zone

Green months are your sowing window: August to November.

Growing notes

Warrigal greens is one of the few leafy crops that actively enjoys a Coffs Harbour summer. It tolerates salt, sandy soil and coastal wind, and once established it spreads into a dense ground-hugging mat. Pick the top 10–15 cm of each stem often to keep the growth soft and force fresh side shoots.

The usual failure here is not disease but oxalates. The leaves carry high levels, so blanch them for a minute and tip the water out before eating; raw or unblanched greens taste bitter and metallic.

The second issue is bolting. In the humid wet, plants left unpicked run to seed and turn woody and coarse. The fix is constant harvesting plus a light nitrogen feed every few weeks to hold them in leaf. Slugs and snails can shred young seedlings after storms, so put out traps early. Because the seed self-sows freely, cut off spent flower heads if you do not want a permanent patch colonising the bed.

Warrigal Greens at a glance

Common questions

Is warrigal greens the same as spinach?

No, it is Tetragonia tetragonioides, a native ground-cover crop used like spinach. It handles subtropical heat and humidity far better than true spinach, which bolts quickly around Brisbane. The flavour is similar once cooked.

Why do warrigal greens need to be cooked before eating?

The leaves are high in oxalates, which taste bitter and are best reduced by blanching. Boil the leaves for about a minute and discard the water before using them. Cooked this way they are safe and mild.

When should I sow warrigal greens in Brisbane?

Sow direct from August to November once the soil warms. Seed germinates slowly over 14–21 days, so soaking the capsules overnight helps. Plants then crop right through the hot, humid summer.

How far apart should I space warrigal greens?

Allow 30–50 cm between plants and about 60 cm between rows. The stems sprawl widely, so give them room to run. Regular tip harvesting keeps a single plant productive for months.

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