A hardy Australian native bush food that sprawls into a heat- and salt-tolerant spinach substitute when English spinach has bolted. Blanch the leaves before eating to remove oxalates.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 30 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Warrigal Greens
Botanically, Tetragonia tetragonioides is a fast-growing edible plant in the Aizoaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 30 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Warrigal Greens
Warrigal Greens suits warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Warrigal Greens does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Warrigal Greens does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Warrigal Greens in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Warrigal Greens in the garden
Warrigal Greens earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Warrigal Greens with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Warrigal Greens
Plant Sale lists Warrigal Greens as seed and seedlings. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Warrigal Greens seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
