Profile
buck's-horn plantainPlantago coronopus
Hirschhornsalat (also known as Good King Henry or Goosefoot) is a robust, undemanding leafy vegetable well-suited for home garden cultivation. It is particularly good for beginners as it is easy to care for and responds well to cooler weather. The leaves can be harvested from spring through autumn, enriching salads with their slightly nutty, spicy flavor.

Quick profile
Key data
Harvest
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Water
medium
Growing data
buck's-horn plantain Growing data
Seed depth
1 - 2 cm
Plant spacing
15 - 20 cm
Row spacing
20 - 25 cm
Germination temp
15 - 20 °C
Sowing and germination
Planting and spacing
Temperature and site
Water, nutrients and care
Container, support and growth
Year plan
buck's-horn plantain Calendar
Indoor sowing
Not recommended for pre-culture.
Direct sowing
Direct sowing outdoors is possible from March to September. Sow at intervals for a continuous harvest.
Planting
Not pricked out or transplanted, as direct sowing is done.
Harvest
Harvest is continuous from April until the first frost.
Year plan
- Direct sowing outdoors
- Prepare soil
- Harvest first leaves
- Sow for succession
- Continuous harvest
- Sow for summer harvest
- Continuous harvest
- Sow for autumn harvest
- Continuous harvest
- Sow for autumn harvest
- Continuous harvest
- Sow for late autumn harvest
- Continuous harvest
- Last sowing
- Harvest until frost
- Late autumn harvest
Growing
buck's-horn plantain Site, soil and care
Spacing
15 - 20 cm
Storage
Fresh, Chilled
Hirschhornsalat is an easy-to-care-for leafy green, well-suited for beginners. Sowing can be done from spring to autumn, allowing for continuous harvest. Ensure consistent moisture and avoid waterlogging. In hot weather, the plant may bolt, affecting its taste.
Pruning
buck's-horn plantain Pruning
not_applicable
Goal
not_applicable
Tools and hygiene
Not relevant for this crop.
Companion guide
buck's-horn plantain Companion guide
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Aphids
Small, sucking insects that colonize leaves and stems, feeding on plant sap. Cause distorted leaves and can transmit diseases.
Flea beetles
Small, jumping beetles that eat characteristic small holes in the leaves. Young plants are particularly susceptible.
Diseases
Downy mildew
Fungal disease characterized by yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and a grayish-brown to purplish spore growth on the underside of the leaves. Favored by humid weather.
Leaf spot diseases
Various fungal diseases that cause small, often circular spots on the leaves. The spots can be brown, black, or gray and sometimes show concentric rings.
Deficiencies
Magnesium deficiency
Leads to chlorosis between the leaf veins, while the veins themselves remain green. Usually affects older leaves first.
Iron deficiency
Similar to magnesium deficiency, but chlorosis appears first on the youngest leaves. Leaf veins also remain green.
Plant health
FAQ
When is Hirschhornsalat sown?
Direct sowing outdoors is possible from March to September. For a continuous harvest, sowing at intervals every 2-3 weeks is recommended.
How do I care for Hirschhornsalat?
Hirschhornsalat is easy to care for. It needs a sunny to partial shade location, loose soil, and regular but not excessive watering. Waterlogging should be avoided. Light fertilization with compost is sufficient.
When can I harvest Hirschhornsalat?
Harvest begins in spring (from April) and can be continuous until the first frost in autumn. Harvest the outer leaves first to encourage plant growth.
Is Hirschhornsalat suitable for container growing?
Yes, Hirschhornsalat is well-suited for growing in pots and balcony boxes. Ensure adequate pot size (at least 5 liters) and good drainage.
What pests and diseases can affect Hirschhornsalat?
Hirschhornsalat is relatively robust. It can be susceptible to flea beetles, which eat small holes in the leaves. Aphids can also occur. Fungal diseases like downy mildew may appear in humid weather. Prevention through good hygiene and site selection is important.
Related plants
Spinach
Both belong to the family Amaranthaceae.
Lettuce hearts
Both are used as leafy greens in salads.
Downy mildew
Can be affected by similar fungi as other leafy greens.
Butterhead lettuce
Both are light feeders and require moderate nutrients.
Arugula
Both prefer consistent soil moisture and do not tolerate drought.
Internal links
Related plants
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata search
Wikidata · 2026-05-13
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-13
Details
More public plant data
Names
Common
buck's-horn plantain
Plural
buck's-horn plantains
Synonyms
- buckhorn plantain
- star of the earth
Common synonyms
- buckhorn plantain
- star of the earth
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
- buck's-horn plantain
- buckhorn plantain
Taxonomy
Clades
- Tracheophyta
- Angiosperms
- Eudicots
- Asterids
Family
Plantain family
Classification
Edible parts
- Leaves
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes
Not recommended for pre-culture.
Sowing outdoor
Months
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Notes
Direct sowing outdoors is possible from March to September. Sow at intervals for a continuous harvest.
Planting out
Notes
Not pricked out or transplanted, as direct sowing is done.
Harvest
Months
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Notes
Harvest is continuous from April until the first frost.
Month tasks
3
Direct sowing outdoors
Prepare soil
4
Harvest first leaves
Sow for succession
5
Continuous harvest
Sow for summer harvest
6
Continuous harvest
Sow for autumn harvest
7
Continuous harvest
Sow for autumn harvest
8
Continuous harvest
Sow for late autumn harvest
9
Continuous harvest
Last sowing
10
Harvest until frost
Late autumn harvest
Month tasks structured
3
- TaskAussaat ins Freiland.
Label
Direct sowing outdoors
PriorityhighMonths
- 3
ConditionBoden ist bearbeitbar.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow into well-prepared soil.
- TaskBoden vorbereiten.
Label
Prepare soil
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
ConditionVor der Aussaat.Estimated effortmediumNotes
Loosen soil and remove weeds.
4
- TaskErnte der ersten Blätter.
Label
Harvest first leaves
PriorityhighMonths
- 4
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest young, tender leaves.
- TaskWeiterhin aussäen für Nachschub.
Label
Sow for succession
PrioritymediumMonths
- 4
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow every 2-3 weeks.
5
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 5
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest outer leaves first.
- TaskAussaat für Sommerernte.
Label
Sow for summer harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in mid-summer.
6
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 6
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Regular harvesting promotes new growth.
- TaskAussaat für Spätsommer/Herbsternte.
Label
Sow for autumn harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 6
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in late summer and autumn.
7
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 7
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Flavor can become more intense in heat.
- TaskAussaat für Herbsternte.
Label
Sow for autumn harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 7
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in autumn.
8
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 8
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest before the first hard frost.
- TaskAussaat für Spätherbsterte.
Label
Sow for late autumn harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 8
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in late autumn.
9
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest as long as the leaves are fresh.
- TaskLetzte Aussaat für Herbst/Frühwinter.
Label
Last sowing
PrioritymediumMonths
- 9
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for a late harvest if the weather remains mild.
10
- TaskErnte bis zum Frost.
Label
Harvest until frost
PriorityhighMonths
- 10
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif und Frost steht bevor.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest all remaining leaves before the first hard frost.
- TaskBei mildem Wetter eventuell noch Ernte möglich.
Label
Late autumn harvest
PrioritylowMonths
- 10
ConditionMildes Wetter im späten Herbst.Estimated effortlowNotes
If the weather remains mild, individual leaves may still be harvested.
Book content
Overview
Hirschhornsalat (also known as Good King Henry or Goosefoot) is a robust, undemanding leafy vegetable well-suited for home garden cultivation. It is particularly good for beginners as it is easy to care for and responds well to cooler weather. The leaves can be harvested from spring through autumn, enriching salads with their slightly nutty, spicy flavor.
Structured month tasks
3
- TaskAussaat ins Freiland.
Label
Direct sowing outdoors
PriorityhighMonths
- 3
ConditionBoden ist bearbeitbar.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow into well-prepared soil.
- TaskBoden vorbereiten.
Label
Prepare soil
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
ConditionVor der Aussaat.Estimated effortmediumNotes
Loosen soil and remove weeds.
4
- TaskErnte der ersten Blätter.
Label
Harvest first leaves
PriorityhighMonths
- 4
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest young, tender leaves.
- TaskWeiterhin aussäen für Nachschub.
Label
Sow for succession
PrioritymediumMonths
- 4
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow every 2-3 weeks.
5
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 5
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest outer leaves first.
- TaskAussaat für Sommerernte.
Label
Sow for summer harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in mid-summer.
6
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 6
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Regular harvesting promotes new growth.
- TaskAussaat für Spätsommer/Herbsternte.
Label
Sow for autumn harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 6
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in late summer and autumn.
7
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 7
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Flavor can become more intense in heat.
- TaskAussaat für Herbsternte.
Label
Sow for autumn harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 7
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in autumn.
8
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 8
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest before the first hard frost.
- TaskAussaat für Spätherbsterte.
Label
Sow for late autumn harvest
PrioritymediumMonths
- 8
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for harvest in late autumn.
9
- TaskErnte laufend.
Label
Continuous harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest as long as the leaves are fresh.
- TaskLetzte Aussaat für Herbst/Frühwinter.
Label
Last sowing
PrioritymediumMonths
- 9
ConditionKontinuierliche Ernte gewünscht.Estimated effortlowNotes
Sow for a late harvest if the weather remains mild.
10
- TaskErnte bis zum Frost.
Label
Harvest until frost
PriorityhighMonths
- 10
ConditionPflanzen sind erntereif und Frost steht bevor.Estimated effortlowNotes
Harvest all remaining leaves before the first hard frost.
- TaskBei mildem Wetter eventuell noch Ernte möglich.
Label
Late autumn harvest
PrioritylowMonths
- 10
ConditionMildes Wetter im späten Herbst.Estimated effortlowNotes
If the weather remains mild, individual leaves may still be harvested.
Cultivation specs
Seed
Spacing
Spacing notes
Denser sowing results in smaller plants but allows for quicker harvest.
Growth dimensions
Final size notes
Grows bushy and forms rosettes.
Temperature
Temperature notes
Cold-tolerant, tolerates light frost. May bolt in extreme heat.
Water
Critical water phases
- Germination
- Growth phase
Water notes
Consistent soil moisture is important, avoid waterlogging.
Nutrition
Nutrition notes
Requires only moderate nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can affect taste.
Container
Container notes
Well-suited for balcony boxes and smaller pots.
Support
Support notes
Cultivation modes
Yield density
Yield notes
Yield depends on sowing density and care.
Site
Location
Sunny to partial shade location.
Site notes
Tolerates cooler weather, making it well-suited for spring and autumn cultivation.
Soil
Soil notes
Prefers loose, humus-rich, and well-draining soil. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Watering
Frequency
Regularly, especially during dry periods.
Method
Directly onto the soil to prevent leaf diseases.
Water notes
Consistent moisture promotes tender leaf growth. Daily watering may be necessary in hot weather.
Nutrition
Recommendations
- Incorporate compost before sowing.
- If needed, top-dress with organic liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Nutrition notes
Over-fertilizing can lead to a bitter taste. Light fertilization is sufficient.
Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Notes
Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Bed planning notes
Can be well integrated into companion planting. Does not require much space.
Cultivation planning notes
Ideal for small gardens and beginners.
Crop rotation
Notes
Hirschhornsalat is a light feeder and can be grown after almost any crop. A crop rotation of 3-4 years should be observed to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases. Do not plant directly after other lettuces or spinach.
Rotation groups
Lettuces
Root vegetables
Legumes
Brassicas
Rotation notes
Well-suited after heavy feeders like cabbage or tomatoes. Plant before heavy feeders like potatoes or tomatoes to prepare the soil for them.
Deficiencies
Magnesium deficiency
Name
Magnesium deficiency
Description
Leads to chlorosis between the leaf veins, while the veins themselves remain green. Usually affects older leaves first.
Symptoms
- Yellowing between leaf veins
- Leaf veins remain green
- Can lead to premature leaf drop
Correction
Application of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) as a foliar spray.
Soil improvement with magnesium-rich compost or rock meal.
Prevention
Balanced fertilization with organic matter.
Avoid soil compaction.
Iron deficiency
Name
Iron deficiency
Description
Similar to magnesium deficiency, but chlorosis appears first on the youngest leaves. Leaf veins also remain green.
Symptoms
- Yellowing of the youngest leaves
- Leaf veins remain green
- In severe deficiency: leaves become almost white
Correction
Application of iron chelates as a foliar spray.
Improve soil to increase iron availability (e.g., by acidifying if pH is too high).
Prevention
Avoid soils with high pH.
Balanced fertilization.
Problems
Bolting
Name
Bolting
Description
Premature flowering, often triggered by heat stress, drought, or long days. Leaves become bitter and harvest quality decreases.
Symptoms
- Formation of a flower stalk
- Change in leaf taste (bitter)
Management
Variety selection: Choose early-maturing or heat-tolerant varieties.
Ensure consistent watering.
Sow during cooler periods or in partial shade during heat.
Harvest regularly to prevent the formation of flower stalks.
Bitter taste
Name
Bitter taste
Description
Can be caused by stress factors such as heat, drought, nutrient deficiency, or harvesting too late. Certain varieties can also be naturally more bitter.
Symptoms
- Intense, bitter taste of the leaves
Management
Ensure consistent watering and nutrient supply.
Harvest at the right time (young leaves are more tender).
Grow during cooler periods or in partial shade.
Variety selection: Prefer milder varieties.
Problem management
Common pest groups
- Sucking insects
- Chewing pests
Common disease groups
- Fungal diseases
- Bacterial diseases
Prevention principles
- Site selection: Sunny to partial shade, well-ventilated.
- Soil management: Loose, humus-rich, well-draining.
- Crop rotation: At least 3-4 years' interval from related crops.
- Companion planting: Promote good neighbors, avoid bad ones.
- Plant health: Balanced fertilization and consistent watering.
- Hygiene: Removal of plant debris and weeds.
Diagnosis notes
Observe symptoms closely: Affected plant parts, type of damage (holes, spots, discoloration), visible pests or pathogens. Compare with symptom descriptions in gardening books or online resources.
Disease graph
Profiles
- Slugdowny_mildewSeveritymedium
Conditions
- High humidity
- Moderate temperatures
- Poor ventilation
Affected parts
- Leaves
Prevention
- Good ventilation
- Base watering
- Crop rotation
Organic control
- Plant extracts (horsetail)
- Remove infected leaves
- Slugleaf_spot_diseasesSeveritylow
Conditions
- Wet leaves
- High humidity
- Poor hygiene
Affected parts
- Leaves
Prevention
- Good ventilation
- Avoid leaf wetting
- Remove plant debris
Organic control
- Plant extracts
- Remove infected leaves
Diagnostic rules
Symptom
Small, round holes in the leaves
Possible causes
- flea_beetles
First checks
- Look for beetles on the leaves
- Do the beetles jump away?
Symptom
Yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface, grayish-brown coating on the underside
Possible causes
- downy_mildew
First checks
- Check humidity
- Improve ventilation
Symptom
Sticky leaves, visible small insects
Possible causes
- aphids
First checks
- Identify insects (color, shape)
- Assess infestation level
Prevention strategy
Cultural
- Create optimal site and soil conditions.
- Strictly adhere to crop rotation.
- Establish mixed cultures with beneficial insect-promoting plants.
- Ensure balanced fertilization and consistent watering.
- Good garden hygiene (weed control, removal of plant debris).
- Maintain plant spacing for good ventilation.
Monitoring
- Regular inspection of plants for pests and signs of disease, especially in humid weather.
- Early detection of problems for rapid intervention.
Organic first response
- For pest infestation: Hand-pick, rinse off, encourage beneficials, or treat with biological sprays (potassium soap, rapeseed oil).
- For signs of disease: Remove affected parts, strengthen plants (e.g., with horsetail extract), ensure good ventilation.
Notes
Prevention is key to avoiding problems. A healthy plant is more resilient.
Diagnosis
Approach
Visual inspection of the plant and its surroundings, considering growing conditions and cultivation history.
Diagnostic steps
Step 1: Identify the symptoms (e.g., holes, spots, discoloration, wilting).
Step 2: Examine the plant for visible pests or signs of disease.
Step 3: Assess the growing conditions (light, water, nutrients, temperature).
Step 4: Consider the cultivation history (crop rotation, neighbors).
Step 5: Compare observations with known problems and their causes.
Common issues to check
Flea beetles (holes in leaves)
Aphids (sticky leaves, stunted shoots)
Downy mildew (spots, spore growth)
Bolting (premature flowering)
Notes
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for correct treatment. Seek advice from experienced gardeners or experts if unsure.
Phenology
Stages
- Germination
- Growth phase (leaves)
- Flowering (in case of bolting)
Notes
Hirschhornsalat is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested a few weeks after sowing. Flowering usually occurs only under stress conditions such as heat or drought.
Harvest
- Leaves
Harvest details
Harvest frequency
Continuous, as needed
Harvest indicators
- Leaf size (young, tender leaves preferred)
- Plant height (approx. 15-20 cm)
Post harvest handling
Use harvested leaves immediately or store them cool. Sort out damaged leaves.
Storage
- Fresh
- Chilled
Storage details
General storage category
Fresh vegetables
Storage life
A few days in the refrigerator
Processing options
- Freezing (limited, texture changes)
- Drying (less common)
Kitchen usage
Hirschhornsalat is mainly consumed raw as a salad. The leaves have a slightly nutty, spicy flavor and a crisp texture. It is excellent for mixed green salads, as a garnish, or in smoothies. Young leaves have a milder taste.
Safety and edibility
Edible parts
- Leaves
Inedible or caution parts
Toxicity notes
No known toxic properties. All plant parts are edible, but only the leaves are used culinarily.
Raw consumption
Yes, the leaves are edible raw and are most commonly used this way.
Seed saving
- Seeds can be obtained from mature plants.
Seed saving advanced
Seed collection notes
Allow some plants to go to seed. The seed heads mature after flowering and dry on the plant. Cut the seed heads when they are brown and dry, and let them dry further. Separate seeds from the seed pods and store dry.
Cross pollination risk
Low, as it is a self-pollinating plant. Cross-pollination may occur if different varieties or closely related species are grown nearby.
Woody crop details
Notes
Hirschhornsalat is not a woody plant and does not require specific details for woody crops.
Ecology
Biodiversity notes
While Hirschhornsalat itself does not have high ecological significance, its cultivation in a home garden can contribute to biodiversity when integrated into a diverse planting system. Encouraging beneficial insects in the surrounding area is advantageous.
Practical notes
Hirschhornsalat is an easy-to-care-for leafy green, well-suited for beginners. Sowing can be done from spring to autumn, allowing for continuous harvest. Ensure consistent moisture and avoid waterlogging. In hot weather, the plant may bolt, affecting its taste.
Seasonal content
Spring
In spring, sowing of Hirschhornsalat outdoors begins. Young leaves can be harvested soon and are a welcome change from other salads.
Summer
Hirschhornsalat can also be grown in summer, paying attention to sufficient watering to prevent bolting. Sowing for an autumn harvest is also possible.
Autumn
Autumn is a prime growing season for Hirschhornsalat. It is cold-tolerant and provides fresh leaves for salads and hearty dishes until the first frost.
Winter
In mild weather and with good protection (e.g., fleece), harvesting can continue into mild winters. Otherwise, cultivation is not possible in winter.



