How to Grow Warrigal Greens in Australia
A warm-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Warrigal Greens rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. They are rated beginner to grow. Nearly free to grow, a drought-hardy native that thrives with minimal care.
This guide covers when to plant Warrigal Greens in your region, the position and soil they like, how to sow and space them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Warrigal Greens are a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland they are sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Warrigal Greens full sun (at least 6 hours a day). They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 8. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 60 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 18 and 30 degrees.
SAFETY: Must be blanched 2-3 minutes in boiling water before eating to remove oxalates. Do not eat raw. Native Australian succulent groundcover. Incredibly drought-tough, spreads well, edible year-round in SEQ.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Warrigal Greens are typically ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months). Fridge in a bag, up to 4 days. Always blanch before eating (never eat raw).
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, warrigal greens are good blanched 2-3 min then sauteed with garlic, used as a spinach substitute in cooked dishes, added to frittatas and pasta and wilted into soups after blanching. Nutritionally: native Australian superfood green and drought-tolerant perennial edible.
Track Your Warrigal Greens Growing
Add warrigal greens to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Warrigal Greens in Australia?
Warrigal Greens are a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Warrigal Greens take to grow?
Warrigal Greens are generally ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Warrigal Greens in a pot?
Yes. Warrigal Greens grow well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Warrigal Greens need?
Give they full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Warrigal Greens in the Plant Library
