A striking self-seeding annual with magenta leaves, it is high in vitamin C and A, although it is not recommended for people with gout or kidney stones. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Rich in vitamins A, C and E
- Self-seeding
- Easy to grow
- Attractive pink leaves
Also known as ‘magenta spreen’ and native to West Africa, this attractive pink leaved annual can be eaten raw or cooked and is a substitute for spinach. It is high in vitamins, iron and calcium and is good in a variety of culinary dishes. Because of its high oxalic acid content, like spinach, it is not recommended for people suffering with kidney stones and gout.
Plant care
- Height: 150cm+
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun/shade
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: White
- Flowering period: June - August
Tree spinach is an attractive fast growing annual which left to its own devices will grow pretty tall. It is better when eating it to cut the tops off rather than pull the leaves from the stem, this will keep it at a more manageable height and also make it produce many more of the attractive pink tinged leaves. It will grow in a part shaded site and either in the ground or container – here it will need regular feeding, especially if it being continually harvested. It does self-seed and if you don’t want this to happen, cut off the stems with flowers before the seed becomes ripe.