About
Chenopodium giganteum is an annual plant characterized by small yellowish-green flowers and serrated, arrow-shaped leaves that are mid-green in color. The young leaves and central rosettes emerge with a vibrant magenta hue, adding a unique visual element to salads. The flavor profile resembles that of spinach and chard, with a subtle asparagus note when cooked. Regular harvesting will yield tender leaves and prevent premature flowering.
About the genus
Chenopodium includes both annual and perennial species, characterized by stems and leaves that may have a mealy texture. The leaves can be either simple or lobed, and the plant produces small flowers that appear in clusters at the ends of branches or in the leaf axils. In some species, these flowers are succeeded by colorful fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- N India
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
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free