Strawberry Spinach Chenopodium capitatum 100 Seeds USA Company

Chenopodium capitatum, commonly known as strawberry blite or strawberry spinach, is a flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It is a herbaceous annual that is native to North America and can be found in various regions, including parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The plant is known for its unique appearance and edible qualities. It typically grows up to 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and has attractive, triangular, green leaves with reddish stems. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the seeds are enclosed within fleshy, red, strawberry-like structures called "perianths," which give the plant its common name "strawberry blite."
Both the leaves and the perianths of Chenopodium capitatum are edible and have a mild, spinach-like flavor. The leaves can be used in salads, stir-fries, or as a cooked vegetable, while the perianths can be eaten fresh or used to add color and flavor to various dishes.
Chenopodium capitatum is a relatively easy-to-grow plant and is sometimes cultivated for its culinary and ornamental value. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is also considered a "cool-season" crop, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and can be grown in early spring or fall in many regions.

Growing Instructions

Seed Preparation: Before planting, you can perform a simple seed scarification process to enhance germination rates. To do this, rub the seeds gently with a fine-grit sandpaper or nick the seed coat slightly with a small knife. This will help water penetrate the seed coat and improve germination.
Planting Time: Chenopodium capitatum is a cool-season plant, so it's best to sow the seeds in early spring or late summer/early fall when the temperatures are cooler. In warmer regions, it is recommended to plant in the fall for a winter harvest.
Site Selection: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-draining soil. The soil should be fertile and free from weeds.
Planting Depth: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep in the soil. You can space the seeds around 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) apart to allow adequate room for growth.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, which usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate some dry spells but will perform better with regular watering.
Thinning: If you have planted the seeds too close together, thin the seedlings when they are a few inches tall to ensure proper spacing and allow each plant enough room to grow.
Care: Chenopodium capitatum is relatively low-maintenance. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly. Regularly remove any weeds that compete for nutrients and space.
Harvesting: You can begin harvesting the leaves once the plants have reached a sufficient size, usually around 6-8 weeks after planting. You can either harvest the individual leaves or cut the whole plant at ground level. The strawberry-like perianths can also be harvested and eaten when they are fully ripe and red.