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When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in USDA Zone 7b

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 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

Zone 7b Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Zone 7b

Where Is USDA Zone 7b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the New Zealand Spinach planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar — Zone 7b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jun 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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

5°F to 10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

235 days (Zone 7b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing6 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Succession Planting New Zealand Spinach in Zone 7b

5
successive plantings in Zone 7b's ~235-day season

Sow every 6.3 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for New Zealand Spinach in Zone 7b

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

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, plan your New Zealand Spinach planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Start seeds indoors around January 28. Direct sow outdoors around March 25. Transplant seedlings around April 1.

Can New Zealand Spinach grow in Zone 7b?

Yes, New Zealand Spinach can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for New Zealand Spinach (55-70 days to maturity).

When can I harvest New Zealand Spinach in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, expect to harvest New Zealand Spinach from May 27 – June 24. New Zealand Spinach takes 55-70 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 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

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 7b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.