Good-King-Henry

Blitum bonus-henricus

Origin: Europe (via Montana)

Improvement Status: Cultivated material

Seeds per packet: ~100

Germination tested 12/2023: 85%

Life cycle: Perennial

Good-King-Henry, also known as Perennial Goosefoot, or Lincolnshire Spinach, is a classic perennial vegetable. It was once widely grown in kitchen gardens across Europe and the United States, and may yet be again. Good-King-Henry was long placed in the same genus — Chenopodium — as quinoa and lamb's quarters, but it is now considered more closely related to spinach, and is classed in the genus Blitum. But regardless of what we call it, it is an exceptionally useful perennial vegetable. In spring the growing tips can be used much like asparagus. Once the plant matures, the leaves can be harvested for use as a leaft vegetable, with a flavor and texture similar to spinach. The young flowering tips can also be eaten, as can the seeds, which are somewhat similar to quinoa. No vegetable garden should be without this perennial staple!

Our seed comes from Michael Billington of Nourishing Roots Farm in Montana, who grows all kinds of perennial edible plants.

GROWING TIPS: Cold stratification improves seed germination. Plant in weed-free position where it can remain in perpetuity. Prefers a sunny spot, but will also grow in partial shade. Don't harvest during first year.