How to grow tree spinach
Overview
Tree spinach (Chenopodium giganteum) is a tall annual leafy green grown for its tender leaves and magenta-tinged shoot tips. It is not true spinach but a close relative of quinoa and amaranth. It matures quickly and provides multiple harvests when leaves are picked regularly, thriving in warm Australian summers.
Varieties
- Magenta Spreen — A widely grown cultivar with striking magenta leaf tips and edible leaves, productive in Australian summer conditions.
Soil Preparation
Prefers rich, well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.5. Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Avoid heavy clay soils that stay wet; raised beds or mounds improve drainage.
Growing Guide
Sow seeds 5 mm deep in well-drained, fertile soil after all frost risk passes. Space plants 30–50 cm apart in full sun, and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pinch out flower spikes to prolong leaf production. The plant grows 1–2 m tall; staking may help in windy sites. Harvest young leaves when the plant reaches 30 cm.
Sowing
Sow seeds directly after last frost, 5 mm deep and 30 cm apart. Germination takes 7–14 days at 20–25°C. Can also start in pots and transplant at 10 cm tall. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per position.
Care
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during active growth. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove older lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. Pinch out flower spikes to delay bolting.
Companion Planting
Tree spinach grows well with corn, beans, cucumbers, and other summer vegetables. Avoid planting near fennel, which may inhibit growth. It also makes a good companion for amaranth and quinoa, as they share similar conditions.
Common Pests & Risks
Aphids and leaf miners are common; control aphids with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Remove leaf miner-affected leaves promptly. Slugs and snails may attack young plants – use organic pellets or barriers. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings.
Harvesting
Begin picking young leaves and tender shoot tips when the plant is about 30 cm tall, typically 6–8 weeks after sowing. Regular harvest encourages bushier growth and extends the season. Harvest in the morning for the crispest leaves.
In the Kitchen
Young leaves and shoot tips are eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Flavour is mild and earthy, less tart than true spinach. Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days; not suitable for freezing.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing lower leaves: often nitrogen deficiency or overwatering; feed with liquid fertiliser and check drainage. Stunted growth: caused by cold soil or air; wait for warmth or use cloches. Premature bolting: high temperatures or stress; keep soil moist and pinch flower spikes. Leaf spots: fungal; avoid overhead watering and improve airflow. Sparse growth: insufficient sunlight; ensure full sun.