Strawberry Spinach (Blitum virgatum) formerly known as Chenopodium foliosum - A multi-purpose plant dating back well before the 1600's, Strawberry Spinach (also known as Leafy Goosefoot) is an annual heirloom plant that is utilized at the leafy green stage as well as the fruit-bearing stage. Young leaves are ideal when eaten raw in salads and the red fruit that resembles small edible strawberries or mulberries, also becomes a delightfully striking ornamental. Leaves have a mild spinach-like flavour and are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and contain some anti-inflammatory properties. Plants will tolerate heat better than true spinach varieties, however, it is best consumed in the cooler days up to early summer. On an interesting historical note; early European settlers and Indigenous peoples harvested the berries as a nutritious leafy green. An easy plant to grow but if you let the plants bolt and go to seed, you will have strawberry spinach in that location for many years so it is best to harvest or terminate the fruit before this stage.
40-45 days to leaf maturity, 75-80 for fruit.
75 seeds per packet
Growing Instructions: Sow the seeds directly outside in spring at 1/8" depth. Strawberry spinach prefers a full sunny location.
** It is important to note that the seeds and leaves contain oxalic acid, an organic compound that may sometimes prevent the absorption of nutrients within the body if excessively consumed. Consumers with oxalate sensitivity should consult a professional before consuming Strawberry spinach.
