Overwintering guide
How to overwinter new zealand spinach
Winter watering
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
The mistake that kills new zealand spinach in winter
Leaving new zealand spinach in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.
More new zealand spinach care
- Overwintering spinach — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering new zealand spinach — our other guide for the same plant
- Full new zealand spinach care guide
- New Zealand Spinach temperature range
- How often to water new zealand spinach
- How to prune new zealand spinach
- Common new zealand spinach problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering new zealand spinach — FAQ
Does new zealand spinach need to come indoors for winter?
New Zealand Spinach is hardy to roughly USDA zone 8 — winter lows around -12°C. That means it survives outside in mild areas, but wants shelter in a hard winter. New Zealand Spinach can stay outside over winter in most areas, but appreciates some protection in a cold snap. Mulch generously over the root zone, move containers against a sheltered wall (pots freeze far harder than open ground), and have horticultural fleece ready for the worst nights. The roots are what you are protecting — top growth can be sacrificed and regrown.
When should I move new zealand spinach for winter?
Mulch and move pots into shelter in late autumn, before the first hard frosts.
How often should I water new zealand spinach in winter?
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
What kills new zealand spinach over winter?
Leaving new zealand spinach in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.