Strawberry Spinach
This curious plant I've used in the Shadehouse Edge Bed is a favourite of my chooks.
The green leaves are edible with a 'nutty' flavour while the strawberry-like fruit grows on leafy stems above the rosette of leaves.
This unusual plant has been cultivated since about 1600 its fruit is like a strawberry in appearance and taste though not as succulent as the real thing.
Strawberry Spinach - Chenopodium capitatum
It is an annual and although can be planted anytime
but I find it won't germinate in the depths of our cold winters as
the optimal soil temperature for germination is 21C.
Growth is to 45cm.
It is an annual and although can be planted anytime
but I find it won't germinate in the depths of our cold winters as
the optimal soil temperature for germination is 21C.
Growth is to 45cm.
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7 comments:
Interesting plant. Never heard of anything similar over here!!!
According to the info in the seed catalogue I bought it from 'it was apparently found in a monastery in Europe'. So maybe you'll find some.
What an interesting plant ...have to keep an eye out ..
sweetpea
Sweetpea
I got the seed from Phoenix seeds in Tas not online but I can give you the address if you need it!!
thanks scarecrow ..I think I have one of their catalogues around somewhere ...
I have this plant in cell flats to transplant in the garden and I am very excited to see the results! Thanks for the helpful information and photos.
Hello Gabrielle...thanks for commenting!
It is indeed an unusual veg...just don't expect the fruit to be exactly like strawberries but in their own right they are great! Then there is the bonus of a few leaves in a salad.
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