Description
Good King Henry is a hardy perennial vegetable once common in medieval and cottage gardens. Blitum bonus-henricus, formerly Chenopodium bonus-henricus, returns year after year with tender spring shoots, spinach-like leaves, edible flower buds, and small flowers that support bees when the garden is just waking up.
Why Grow It
- Perennial herb and vegetable for zones 4-9, returning without annual replanting once established.
- Young shoots are traditionally eaten like mild asparagus, with leaves cooked like spinach.
- Compact 12-24 in. plants fit food forest edges, perennial beds, and cottage gardens.
- Tolerates poorer soils but prefers well-drained loam in full sun to partial shade.
- Germination takes 14-28 days and improves with cold stratification.
Growing Information
| Botanical name | Blitum bonus-henricus |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Perennial herb and vegetable |
| Mature height | 12-24 in. |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Bloom or harvest window | Spring shoots and leaves; flower buds and bee-friendly flowers after establishment |
| Seed count | 50 seeds |
| Leaf color | Fresh green spinach-like leaves with green flower buds and shoots |
| Sowing advice | Sow in well-drained loam in full sun to partial shade. Cold stratification improves results; start in cool conditions and keep evenly moist through germination. |
| Spacing | 12-18 in. apart in perennial vegetable beds, food forest edges, or cottage garden borders |
| Germination | 14-28 days; cold stratification improves results and seedlings establish best with steady moisture |
Best For
- perennial vegetable beds
- food forest edges
- medieval kitchen gardens
- young shoots as asparagus substitute
- spinach-like cooked greens
- bee-friendly herb borders
Packet Details
Includes 50 seeds. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark until sowing. Let plants establish before harvesting heavily so the perennial crown can build strength.
FAQ
What part of Good King Henry is edible?
Young shoots, tender leaves, and flower buds are the classic edible parts. Shoots are often treated like mild asparagus and leaves like spinach.
Does Good King Henry need cold stratification?
Cold stratification improves germination. Start seeds in cool conditions and keep the medium evenly moist.
Is it annual or perennial?
Good King Henry is a perennial vegetable in suitable climates, especially zones 4-9, and can return for years once established.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.