When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Cumberland County, TN
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.
Cumberland County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,392 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent New Zealand Spinach root diseases.
Cumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Cumberland County, TN
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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
191 days
Growing Tips for Cumberland County
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
New Zealand Spinach in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Cumberland County, TN?
Cumberland County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cumberland County, TN?
Cumberland County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cumberland County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.