When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in USDA Zone 11b
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.
In Zone 11b, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Zone 11b
Where Is USDA Zone 11b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11b. Click any state to see the New Zealand Spinach planting schedule for that location.
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar — Zone 11b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 20 | Nov 20 – Dec 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | March 5 | Mar 5 – Apr 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Start Indoors |
| December | Start Indoors |
Free Zone 11b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
45°F to 50°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 11b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 6 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 11b
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
Saving New Zealand Spinach Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Related Plants
New Zealand Spinach in Other Zones
New Zealand Spinach by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, plan your New Zealand Spinach planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around November 20. Direct sow outdoors around January 1. Transplant seedlings around January 8.
Can New Zealand Spinach grow in Zone 11b?
Yes, New Zealand Spinach can grow well in Zone 11b, hardy in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Zone 11b has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for New Zealand Spinach (55-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest New Zealand Spinach in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, expect to harvest New Zealand Spinach from March 5 – April 2. New Zealand Spinach takes 55-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11b is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to New Zealand Spinach?
Good companion plants for New Zealand Spinach include Tomatoes, Corn, Peas. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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