Family: Chenopodiaceae

One species in this genus is an edible perennial, sometimes grown for its shoots and leaves which are used as vegetables, blanched and served with butter or hollandaise sauce. Other species have been used in folk medicine and as culinary herbs. The genus is part of the same botanical family of which beetroot and spinach are members.

Species

C. bonus-henricus, Good King Henry, is a hardy perennial, suitable for temperate through to cold regions. The leaves are said to taste like spinach and the young shoots are similar to asparagus.

Cultivation

Plant in a free-draining, light soil in a sunny position. Sow seed in spring and thin the seedlings in two stages to a distance of 45 cm (18 in) apart. If the shoots are to be cut, topdress the plants with about 12 cm (5 in) of good compost or leaf mould at the end of the season. Cut the shoots just under soil level, the same as for asparagus. Pick leaves during spring, taking only a few at a time so that growth is not discouraged.

Climate

Wide moisture and temperature range. Zone 5.