Plant Profile

Leafy GoosefootBlitum virgatum

Strawberry spinach is a charming heritage plant that offers both ornamental value and culinary utility. The bright red pseudo-fruits, which sit in the leaf axils like small strawberries, make it an eye-catcher in cottage gardens or on balconies.

Leafy vegetables Amaranth family

Calendar

Leafy Goosefoot: plant portrait. harvest: June - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Indoor sowing

Direct sowing outdoors

Planting outdoors

Harvest

Pruning

Indoor sowingDirect sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bed Raised bed Container Balcony Greenhouse Windowsill

Good neighbors

PeasLettuce

Avoid

SpinachBeetroot

Indoor & direct sowing

Leafy Goosefoot: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Pre-culture in pots possible for an earlier harvest.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sowing in rows; successive sowings recommended for continuous harvest.

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm

Germination temp12 - 20 °C

Germination time7 - 14 days

Light germinatorNo

Dark germinatorNo

Cold germinatorNo

Stratification neededNo

Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

Leafy Goosefoot: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Carefully transplant seedlings with their root ball.

Plant spacing15 - 25 cm

Row spacing25 - 30 cm

Plants per m²12 - 16 per m²

Bed widthfrom 60 cm

Site & practical notes

Temperature & frost

Leafy Goosefoot: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 8 °C

Optimal temperature15 - 22 °C

Max. heatup to 30 °C

Soil temperature10 - 15 °C

Frost sensitiveYes

Late frost sensitiveYes

Heat tolerancemedium

Cold tolerancelow

Water & nutrients

Leafy Goosefoot: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium

Critical water phasesGermination phase, Fruit development

Watering methodBottom watering

Droughthigh

Waterlogging sensitiveYes

Mulching recommendedYes

Nutrient needlight feeder

Compost recommendedYes

Fertilizer sensitivitymedium

Container & growth

Leafy Goosefoot: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes

Pot sizeVolume: from 3 l; Recommended: from 5 l; Diameter: from 15 cm; Depth: from 20 cm

SupportNo; 30 - 50 cm

Height20 - 50 cm

Width20 - 30 cm

Root depth15 - 25 cm

Root spread10 - 20 cm

Yield0.1 - 0.3 kg

Year plan

Leafy Goosefoot Calendar

Plants

Year overview

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Indoor sowing

Direct sowing outdoors

Planting outdoors

Harvest

Pruning

Recurring tasks

Indoor SowingMarch - April

indoor: Cover seeds only lightly with soil.

Direct sowingApril - June

Sow in rows with 25 cm spacing.

Harvesting and vitality maintenanceJune - September

Regular picking of outer leaves encourages new growth.

Relevant now

June

No additional single task

Next up

July

No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

January

Greenish-inconspicuous

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

Overview

Pollination occurs primarily via wind (anemophily), as is common for many Amaranthaceae.

Notes

Insects play a minor role in pollination; the plant is largely self-fertile.

Pruning & care

Leafy Goosefoot Pruning & care

Pruning timing

Summer

Harvesting and vitality maintenance Regular picking of outer leaves encourages new growth.

Remove

Preserve

Avoid

Tools and hygiene

Use clean harvesting knives to avoid grey mold infections at cut sites.

Companion guide

Leafy Goosefoot Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

PeasLettuce

Avoid

SpinachBeetroot

Use & storage

Leafy Goosefoot Use & storage

Harvest

Pick leaves continuously; harvest berries when fully ripe (deep red).

Storage

Short-lived fresh produce

Storage life

Leaves and fruits stay fresh in the refrigerator for only 1-2 days.

Harvest

Pick leaves continuously; harvest berries when fully ripe (deep red).

Processing

After harvest

Handle the harvest carefully as ripe fruits crush easily; process as quickly as possible.

Edibility & safety

Leafy Goosefoot Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Leaves, Young shoots, Ripe pseudo-fruits

Caution parts:Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Raw consumption:Possible; young leaves are tastier raw than old ones.

Safety notes

Like all goosefoots, contains oxalic acid and saponins; harmless in moderate quantities.

Animal safety

For animals, the specific plant part matters here: some parts may be suitable, while others should be avoided. At least one critical rating is listed for 1 animal types.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits, Pre-existing kidney problems in dogs due to oxalic acid

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe in small amounts as a treat. Roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset due to oxalic acid and saponins. Avoid consumption in dogs with known kidney sensitivity due to oxalic acid.

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Cat

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits, Pre-existing kidney issues in cats due to oxalic acid

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits of strawberry blite are safe for cats in small amounts. Roots, unripe fruits, and especially seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. In cats with known kidney sensitivity, even moderate consumption should be avoided due to oxalic acid content.

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Rabbit

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive seed consumption, Consumption of unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe in moderation; roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds contain oxalic acid and saponins and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Can be offered as supplemental feed occasionally.

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Guinea pig

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits, High oxalic acid content with large feeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

Leafy Goosefoot contains oxalic acid and saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed excessively. Young leaves and ripe pseudo-fruits are tolerable in moderation. Roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds should be avoided. Suitable as supplemental feed but not as primary food. Observation recommended if symptoms occur.

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Hamster

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content may cause kidney strain in large quantities, Saponins can be irritating with excessive consumption

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption

observe

No reliable species-specific assessment is available.

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Budgie

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits, High oxalic acid content with large feeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

Strawberry blite contains oxalic acid and saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in budgies if consumed in large quantities. Young leaves and ripe pseudo-fruits are suitable as occasional treats in small amounts. Roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds should be avoided.

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Farm animals

Horse

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with excessive intake

observe

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe in moderation. Roots, unripe fruits, and seeds (especially in large quantities) contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal upset.

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Chicken

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits, High oxalic acid content with large feeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Kidney strain with excessive intake

observe

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe for chickens in moderation. Roots, unripe fruits, and seeds (especially in large quantities) should be avoided due to oxalic acid and saponins. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal upset or kidney strain.

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Duck

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of seeds or unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with excessive intake

observe

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe for ducks in moderation. Roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds should be avoided due to oxalic acid and saponins. Suitable as part of a varied diet.

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Goose

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content may strain kidneys, Saponins may irritate mucous membranes

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption

observe

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are edible for geese in moderation and are sometimes used as forage. Roots, unripe fruits, and seeds in larger quantities should be avoided due to oxalic acid and saponins. Overconsumption may cause vomiting or diarrhea. No indications of severe poisoning under normal feeding.

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Sheep

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

High oxalate content may bind calcium, Saponins can be irritating in large amounts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption

observe

No direct species-specific source was found for sheep. This is a cautious inference from the goats profile and the known plant-part risks.

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Goat

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

High oxalate content may bind calcium, Saponins can be irritating in large amounts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption

observe

No reliable species-specific assessment is available.

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Cattle

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Weak digestion

Symptoms

Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Leafy Goosefoot contains oxalic acid and saponins, which can be harmful in large quantities. Only moderate amounts of the leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are suitable for cattle.

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Pig

Leaves, Young shoots

Roots, Green (unripe) fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

High oxalate content may bind calcium, Saponins can be irritating in large amounts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption

observe

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are tolerable in moderation. Roots, unripe fruits, and seeds in large quantities should be avoided due to oxalic acid and saponins. Excessive consumption may cause vomiting or diarrhea. No indications of severe poisoning in pigs from normal feeding of edible parts.

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These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

do not feed

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

Leafy Goosefoot Saving seed

Seed type

orthodox

Seed viability

3 - 5 years

Practical tips

Leafy Goosefoot Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Harvesting leaves too late; they become tough and bitter once flowering starts.

Success pattern

Successive sowings every 3 weeks ensure fresh greens all summer long.

High-impact tips

The fruits are excellent for natural food coloring.

Grower observations

Plants tend to flop over when fruits are fully ripe; light earthing up helps.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Aphids

Curled leaves, sticky honeydew.

Slugs

Holes eaten into young leaves.

Diseases

Downy Mildew

Yellowish spots on leaf tops, grey coating underneath.

Leaf Spot Disease

Small, brown or black spots on leaves.

Deficiencies

Pale, yellowish leaves and stunted growth.

Plant health

Diagnosis help

Leafy Goosefoot Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Disease groups

Fungal diseases

Prevention

Diagnosis

Regularly check the underside of leaves for aphids and fungal coatings.

Cultural prevention

Monitoring

Weekly check for pests

First response

Diagnostic rules

White, powdery coating on leaves

Possible causes: Powdery mildew

Check soil moisture
Check site ventilation

FAQ

Are the red fruits of strawberry spinach poisonous?

No, they are edible but relatively tasteless. However, the seeds inside contain saponins and should be consumed in moderation.

Can strawberry spinach be grown as a perennial?

No, it is a classic annual plant, but it often returns the following year through self-seeding.

Is Leafy Goosefoot safe for Dog?

Leafy Goosefoot is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe in small amounts as a treat. Roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset due to oxalic acid and saponins. Avoid consumption in dogs with known kidney sensitivity due to oxalic acid.

Is Leafy Goosefoot safe for Cat?

Leafy Goosefoot is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits of strawberry blite are safe for cats in small amounts. Roots, unripe fruits, and especially seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and saponins and should be avoided. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. In cats with known kidney sensitivity, even moderate consumption should be avoided due to oxalic acid content.

Is Leafy Goosefoot safe for Rabbit?

Leafy Goosefoot is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are safe in moderation; roots, unripe fruits, and large quantities of seeds contain oxalic acid and saponins and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Can be offered as supplemental feed occasionally.

Is Leafy Goosefoot safe for Cattle?

Leafy Goosefoot is classified as do not feed for Cattle. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Leafy Goosefoot contains oxalic acid and saponins, which can be harmful in large quantities. Only moderate amounts of the leaves, young shoots, and ripe pseudo-fruits are suitable for cattle.