Tree Spinach 20/40cm (9cm)

Tree Spinach – Chenopodium giganteum is a remarkable edible that deserves a place in every productive garden. This vigorous leafy vegetable combines the best qualities of spinach and chard with a subtle hint of asparagus when cooked, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. The young leaves are particularly prized for their tender texture and delicate flavour, perfect for adding to fresh salads where their vivid magenta-tinged, glittery appearance creates an eye-catching display.

What sets this plant apart is its dual-purpose nature. The baby leaves can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season for use as salad greens or cooking greens, whilst the mature plant develops long spikes of tiny red flowers that add ornamental interest to borders and vegetable patches alike. However, regular picking and pinching back encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing those succulent, tender leaves rather than rushing to flower and set seed.

Beyond the leaves, Tree Spinach offers another valuable harvest. The grain-like seeds can be collected, dried, and used in baking much like quinoa, providing a nutritious, protein-rich ingredient for your kitchen. This makes the plant an excellent choice for gardeners interested in growing diverse, multi-functional crops that maximise space and productivity.

The young growth is where Tree Spinach truly excels, with its distinctive magenta colouration and almost crystalline appearance that catches the light beautifully. These tender shoots are best harvested when young, before the leaves become too large and coarse. Regular harvesting not only provides you with the tastiest leaves but also prevents the plant from bolting to seed prematurely, extending your harvest window considerably.

Growing Tree Spinach in the British Climate

Tree Spinach thrives in the temperate conditions found across Britain, performing best in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade, though plants grown in sunnier spots tend to develop more intense colouration in their foliage. Sow seeds directly outdoors from April onwards once the risk of frost has passed, or start them indoors in modules for earlier crops.

Space plants approximately 30-40cm apart to allow for good air circulation and adequate room for growth. Water regularly during dry spells, particularly when plants are establishing, as consistent moisture encourages tender leaf production. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season to maintain vigorous growth and continuous leaf production.

The key to success with Tree Spinach is regular harvesting. Pick leaves frequently, taking the youngest growth from the top of the plant. This encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too tall and leggy. If flower spikes begin to form, pinch them out promptly unless you wish to save seed for future sowings or culinary use.

Tree Spinach is relatively trouble-free but may occasionally attract aphids or slugs, particularly on young growth. Monitor plants regularly and take appropriate action if pests appear. As an annual, plants will complete their lifecycle within one growing season, so make successive sowings every few weeks from spring through early summer to ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

Tree spinach will readily set seed that remains viable over winter.

Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height
2–4 months

Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres