Warrigal Greens are one of Australia’s best native edible plants. Also known as New Zealand spinach, this leafy green is perfect for warm climates and coastal gardens. It grows fast, needs little care, and tastes great in cooking. Whether you’re starting a veggie patch or looking for a spinach alternative, Warrigal Greens are a smart and sustainable choice. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow Warrigal Greens at home, care for them, cook them, and enjoy their many benefits. From planting tips to pest control and recipe ideas, this blog has everything you need to know.
What Are Warrigal Greens?
Warrigal Greens (botanical name: Tetragonia tetragonioides) are a leafy green native to Australia and New Zealand. They are also called New Zealand spinach. This hardy plant is known for its fast growth, drought tolerance, and tasty leaves. Warrigal Greens are a great substitute for traditional spinach and are perfect for warm climates.
Where Do Warrigal Greens Grow Natively?
Warrigal Greens naturally grow along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, they are commonly found in sandy soils near beaches, estuaries, and dunes. They thrive in salt-tolerant environments and are often seen in coastal bushland. This makes them ideal for gardens in seaside towns and regions with warm, dry weather. Being native means they are well adapted to Australian conditions and require little maintenance once established.
How to Grow Warrigal Greens
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Spacing: Space plants about 30 cm apart
Sow seeds in spring or early summer after the last frost. Soak seeds overnight before planting to help them germinate faster. Warrigal Greens can also be grown in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground. Once established, they spread quickly, covering the soil and acting as a natural mulch.
Edible Parts of Warrigal Greens
The edible parts of the Warrigal Greens plant are the leaves and young stems. These parts are tender and nutritious. It’s important to blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to remove oxalates before eating. Avoid eating large quantities raw, as the oxalates can be harmful if consumed in excess.
Harvest the top leaves and shoots regularly to promote new growth and maintain a healthy plant. The more you harvest, the bushier the plant becomes.
Caring for Warrigal Greens
Once your plants are growing, they need little care. Mulch around the base to keep weeds down. Water during dry spells and pick leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth. Fertilising isn’t often necessary, but you can apply compost or a liquid organic feed monthly for stronger yields.
Is Warrigal Greens Edible?
Yes! Warrigal Greens are edible and tasty. But they contain oxalates, which can upset your tummy if you eat too much raw. To make them safe, blanch the leaves in hot water for 1-2 minutes before eating or cooking.
How to Cook Warrigal Greens
You can use Warrigal Greens like spinach. They go well in many dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Stir-fries
- Omelettes
- Pasta and gnocchi
- Quiches and pies
- Soups and stews
- Lasagna or cannelloni fillings
Always blanch before using in recipes. You can also mix them with other greens for a milder flavour. Their slightly salty, earthy taste works well in savoury meals.
Warrigal Greens Recipes
Try this easy recipe: Warrigal Greens and Cheese Pie
- 1 cup blanched Warrigal Greens
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients and bake in a pie crust at 180°C for 30 minutes. Enjoy warm or cold!
You can also sauté Warrigal Greens with garlic and olive oil, use them as a pizza topping, or add them to smoothies (after blanching).
Controlling Pests
Warrigal Greens are tough, but some pests can still bother them. Watch out for:
- Slugs and snails
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
Use organic pest control methods like hand-picking, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or barriers around your plants. Keeping the area tidy and avoiding overwatering can also help prevent problems.
How to Control Invasiveness
Warrigal Greens spread quickly. To stop them from taking over your garden:
- Trim plants regularly
- Harvest often
- Grow in raised beds or containers
This keeps the plant healthy and under control. If growing near natural areas, be sure to prevent seeds from escaping, as the plant can naturalise in the wild.
Benefits of Growing Warrigal Greens
- Fast growing and easy to care for
- Good for hot Australian summers
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants
- Great spinach alternative that thrives in warm weather
- Helps cover soil and prevent weeds
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Warrigal Greens are a smart choice for any Australian veggie patch. They grow well in coastal areas, urban gardens, and permaculture systems. Because they’re native, they adapt easily and require fewer inputs than exotic greens.
Regional Planting Tips
In Northern Australia: Plant during the cooler months (autumn to early spring). The heat won’t affect Warrigal Greens much, but you may need to water more often.
In Southern Australia: Plant in spring after frost has passed. Use mulch to keep roots cool during hot summers.
In Coastal Regions: Warrigal Greens love salty, sandy soils. They’re excellent for seaside gardens.
Conclusion
Warrigal Greens are a wonderful, native plant that is easy to grow and use in many recipes. With a little care, they’ll reward you with fresh, tasty leaves for months. Their hardiness, low maintenance, and health benefits make them a perfect addition to any garden in Australia.
Start growing your own Warrigal Greens with quality seeds from Seedmart Australia today.
