tree spinach
Chenopodium giganteum
An edible ‘baby-leaf’ annual tasting similar to spinach and chard, with a slight hint of asparagus when cooked. Tree spinach develops long spikes of tiny red flowers if not pinched or picked regularly but it is in the vivid magenta-tinged ‘glittery’ young growth that really shines in salads. Keep picking for tasty and tender leaves, and to avoid the plant running to seed too soon. Grains can also be dried and saved for baking like quinoa.
Growing instructions:
Sow direct and thinly into a prepared seed bed 0.5cm (¼") deep in rows 30-45cm (12-18") apart. Keep soil moist. Alternatively, sow under glass or on a sunny windowsill in trays filled with good quality seed sowing compost. Do not exclude light as this aids germination, which can take between 2-3 weeks.
Eventual height:
2m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
approx 250 seeds
£2.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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