About

Blitum bonus-henricus is a perennial plant that produces small yellowish-green flowers and features bright green, arrow-shaped foliage. The leaves can be consumed both raw and cooked, offering a flavor profile akin to that of spinach. Regular harvesting encourages the growth of tender leaves and helps prevent the plant from flowering prematurely.

About the genus

This genus comprises annual and perennial herbs that thrive across Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Americas, and Australia. The plants feature triangular leaves that range from green to purple, and in summer, they produce spikes adorned with bright red fruits resembling strawberries.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Columnar upright, Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

1 year

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden

Native to

C & S Europe (Mts)

Care notes

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

Pruning

Harvest the leaves as required, to keep the plant compact and cropping well. Only pick lightly in the first year after planting

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free