More rut tolerant than common spinach , strawberry Spinacia oleracea is an easy plant to uprise , and it will reward you with gorgeous , edible berry and leafy greens too .
MichelR45 / Getty Images
Native to the United States and Canada , strawberry spinach is an attractive , annual veg that is cultivated for its nutritious leafy greens and hopeful red fruit . The arrow - shaped leaf of this plant look and savor a lot likecommon spinachand can be used in fresh salad or cooked dishful . While the vibrant fruit maylook a stack like strawberry , the flavor is milder and slenderly sweet .
Credit:MichelR45 / Getty Images
Use moderation when corrode this plant ’s seeds , asthey can be toxic when consumedin large quantities .
Where to Plant Strawberry Spinach
Strawberry spinach develop best in full sun and lax , well - draining , and loamy ground . If your soil is obtuse or nutrient - poor , enrich it with compost or aged manure before you inseminate your hemangioma simplex Spinacia oleracea come . These extremely adaptable flora can get in soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.For small - space growers , strawberry spinach can also be grow in containers . Just check that that any container you choose is well - draining and at least a animal foot thick .
How and When to Plant Strawberry Spinach
strawberry mark spinach plant does n’t transplant well , so direct sowing is mostly recommended . To constitute your hemangioma simplex spinach , sow seed in your garden in spring as soon as the soil is workable . Scatter your semen in wrangle spaced 18 inches aside and cover your seeds with ¼ in of soil . After the seeds have sprouted and developed two set of reliable leave , thin your spinach plant seedling , allowing 12 inches between each flora .
Care Tips for Strawberry Spinach
While strawberry spinach plant is related tocommon spinach , it has n’t been cultivate as long and remains truer to its wild form . This plant can adapt to a range of growing condition ; however , sympathize its grow needs will help you grow healthier plants .
Light
Strawberry spinach shouldreceive 8 to 12 hours of full sun . Gardeners in hot climate may require to locate their plant in an area that have fond good afternoon shade to slow down bolt ( anthesis ) .
Soil and Water
Like other leafy greens , strawberry spinach will grow best in light , well - draining soilthat is rich in constitutional topic . Adding compost or aged manure to your soil can aid support plant life ontogenesis and aid the grunge retain piddle better .
To slow gobble and develop healthier plant , strawberry spinach should be irrigate on a regular basis and deeply , so that the territory remains dampish but not soggy . Ideally , your plant should receive about 1 to 2 inches of weewee per workweek .
Temperature and Humidity
strawberry mark spinach is a hardy plant thatcan tolerate light frostand some heat . While this plant rise best at temperatures between 45 and 75 ° F , it will bolt when temperature get spicy . However , when strawberry spinach bolts , it produce its discrete , eatable berries . Strawberry spinach can manage some humidness , but it maydevelop powdery mildewin sure conditions . For this intellect , always water in the aurora and keep leaves dry by directing weewee to the foundation of your flora .
Fertilizer
Strawberry spinachshould be fertilized every 5 to 7 weeksthroughout the growing time of year with a timber liquid or granular fertilizer . Opt for a balanced fertilizer or one that ’s copious in N , which will aid support the growth of lush farewell .
Pruning and Harvesting
Strawberry spinach leafage are ready to harvest as soon as they are a usable size . pick leave often will also encourage your flora to produce more greens . Berries should only be reap after they move around violent .
Strawberry spinach easily ego - sows , so if you do n’t desire your plants to spread , deadhead berriesbefore they are fully mature . Removing old or damaged leaves will also improve the feel and wellness of your plants .
Pests and Problems
aphid are sap - sucking insectsthat can cause leaf deformation and go away behind a sticky “ honeydew ” residue on plants as they feed . To treat for aphids , try spraying your plant with a strong blast from your garden hose , or process your hemangioma simplex spinach with an organic insecticidal soap or neem oil sprayer .
Flea beetle are small , grim insects that are well - known for their rapid jumping movements when disturbed . add float dustup cover at the beginning of the horticulture season can keep these plague aside , while existent infestations can betreated with neem oil .
Slugs and escargot can quickly riddle leaveswith gob . set slug traps twit with stale beer or old orangeness succus around your garden can protect your plant life .
Companion Plants for Strawberry Spinach
Lettuceand strawberry spinach have similar grow requirements and wo n’t compete with each other for light and nutrient . Many common garden pests are course repulsed by the potent scent of leeks and other alliums . Interplanting these types of plantswith your strawberry mark prickly-seeded spinach will help protect your strawberry Spinacia oleracea from pest predation . Radishesare cold hardy works that originate quick and do n’t take up a set of space . Growing them with your strawberry Spinacia oleracea will assure you get the most out of your garden beds .
Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry spinach can be added to anydish where you ’d use spinach . From unfermented salads to soups and sautés , this versatile leafy green can do it all .
Strawberry spinach yield has a mild taste and a delicate sweetness , as well as pronounced seeds . The smack and texture of the fruit is very similar to mulberry tree .
