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When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Sitka City and Borough, AK

New Zealand spinach is a heat-tolerant ground-cover plant with thick, triangular leaves that taste similar to true spinach. It thrives in hot weather when regular spinach bolts.

Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 1,935 feet, Sitka City and Borough receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of New Zealand Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.

Sitka City and Borough, AK (Zone 7a) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Sitka City and Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (91 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (89 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (83 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Aug 19

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 849 gal / 100 sq ft
New Zealand Spinach needs ~109 GDD — county provides 327 GDD Excellent fit

New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Sitka City and Borough, AK

New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 – Jul 27

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

55–70 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

187 days

Growing Tips for Sitka City and Borough

Soak seeds overnight before planting. Direct sow after last frost. Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and tender new leaves.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Sitka City and Borough, AK?

Sitka City and Borough is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sitka City and Borough, AK?

Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sitka City and Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.