Spinach like plants (Okinawa spinach)

Plant family

Korbblütler (Asteraceae) (Asteraceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

30 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Okinawa spinach or handama is a perennial herbaceous plant, for sunny to semi-shady locations. The plant has green-red fleshy leaves and grows very quickly when warm, so you can harvest it abundantly. Okinawa spinach is prized for its high iron content and many other ingredients. The young leaves can be eaten raw, while the older ones can be steamed briefly. The red color of the underside of the leaves is strongly coloring and can also color other foods.

Growing tips

The easiest way to propagate Okinawa spinach is via cuttings. It is very easy to care for and can even be encouraged to grow by regular harvesting. Okinawa spinach likes temperatures from 15°C upwards and is not frost resistant. It must be well covered in mild locations or otherwise wintered cut back on the windowsill.