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Annual BiennialHerbs - Culinary

Chenopodium giganteum

tree spinach

An edible annual with tiny yellowy green flowers and mid-green arrow-shaped serrated leaves. The younger leaves and centre rosettes open out bright magenta, making the leaves a striking addition to a salad. Tasting similar to spinach and chard, with a slight hint of asparagus when cooked. Keep picking for tasty and tender leaves, and to avoid the plant running to seed too soon

Synonyms
Chenopodium amaranticolor
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Yellow Green Pink Green
Autumn Yellow Green Pink Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Bushy
Genus

Chenopodium can be annuals or perennials, with often mealy stems and foliage, simple or lobed leaves and minute flowers in termianl or axillary clusters, in a few species followed by colourful fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N India

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained fertile soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded position. In the ideal growing conditions they can grow quite rapidly and may require staking if they become too tall

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Harvest the leaves as required, to keep the plant compact and cropping well

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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