Tetragonia Tetragonioides Seeds, Horned Spiny Tetradactylus

Sowing **Tetragonia** (*Tetragonia tetragonioides*) seeds, also known as New Zealand spinach, is a great option for growing a substitute for classic spinach, especially in summer. Here are the steps to successfully sow New Zealand spinach seeds:

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### **Steps for sowing Tetragona seeds**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Indoors**: From March to April for an early start.
- **Outdoors**: From May, when all risk of frost has passed.

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#### **2. Seed preparation:**
- New Zealand spinach seeds have a hard shell, which can slow germination.
- **Soaking**:
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for **24 to 48 hours** before sowing to soften their shell and promote rapid germination.

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#### **3. Soil preparation:**
- **Soil type**: New Zealand spinach prefers rich, well-drained, slightly sandy soil.
- **Preparation** :
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 20 cm and incorporate compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil.

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#### **4. Sowing seeds:**
##### **Indoors (in pots or crates)**:
1. Fill pots or a tray with special seedling soil.
2. Plant the seeds **1 cm deep** in the substrate.
3. Cover lightly with potting soil and water gently.
4. Place the pots in a bright place at a temperature of **18 to 20°C**.

##### **Outdoors**:
1. Prepare the soil by loosening the surface.
2. Sow directly in pockets of **2 to 3 seeds**, spaced **40 to 50 cm** apart.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (1 cm maximum).
4. Water lightly.

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#### **5. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**: Germination is optimal between **18 and 25°C**.
- **Germination time**: Seeds germinate in **10 to 20 days**.
- **Watering**: Keep the substrate moist, but not soggy, until the seedlings emerge.

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#### **6. Care after germination:**
- **Thinning**: If several seeds have germinated in the same pocket, keep only the most vigorous plant.
- **Watering**: New Zealand spinach requires slightly moist soil, especially during periods of active growth. Avoid overwatering.
- **Pricking out (for indoor sowing)**: Prick out the young plants into the ground when the risk of frost has passed and the plants are approximately **10 cm high**.

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#### **7. Planting in open ground:**
- **Spacing**: Plant the seedlings **40 to 50 cm** apart to allow them to spread out.
- **Exposure**: Choose a sunny or partially shaded location.

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#### **8. Maintenance:**
- **Mulching**: Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture and limit weeds.
- **Watering**: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid over-wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
- **Harvest** :
- Leaves can be harvested approximately **6 to 8 weeks** after sowing.
- Pick leaves as needed, which will stimulate new growth.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Culinary use**:
- New Zealand spinach leaves are eaten like spinach, cooked or raw in salads.
2. **Resistant plant**:
- New Zealand spinach tolerates poor soils and hot spells well, making it an excellent option for summer vegetable gardens.
3. **Crop rotation**:
- Plant New Zealand spinach after a heavy crop to benefit from its ability to adapt to impoverished soils.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing spinach is a simple way to grow a hardy alternative to regular spinach. Follow these steps, and you'll soon be enjoying its tasty, nutrient-rich leaves all summer long! 🌱