Leafy GoosefootBlitum virgatum

Leafy Goosefoot

Leafy Goosefoot plants

1. Chenopodium foliosum Moench ex Asch.
2. Chenopodium blitum
3. Morocarpus foliosus

1. Strawberry Blite
2. Strawberry Spinach
3. Leafy Goosefoot

1. Strawberry Spinach

1. Strawberry Spinach

1. NameErdbeerspinat

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Blitum capitatum

   Clarification

   Usually refers to Blitum virgatum, but can also refer to Blitum capitatum.

1. Strawberry Spinach
2. Chenopodium foliosum
3. edible greens

1. Tracheophyta
2. Angiospermae
3. Eudicotyledoneae
4. Caryophyllales

Amaranth family

1. Blitum capitatum
2. Spinacia oleracea
3. Beta vulgaris

1. Leaves
2. Pseudo-fruits

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.

1. Tasksowing

   Label

   Indoor Sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4

   Conditionindoor

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Cover seeds only lightly with soil.

1. Tasksowing

   Label

   Direct Sowing

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7

   Conditionoutdoor

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Keep moist until germination.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8
   4. 9
   5. 10

   Conditionripe_fruits

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Use leaves like spinach.

Cool partial shade in midsummer reduces bolting.

Loose, humus-rich soil is ideal; does not tolerate waterlogging.

Never let the soil dry out completely, especially during flowering.

Over-fertilization leads to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Good gap filler in the bed; self-seeds under favorable conditions.

1. Legumes
2. Peas
3. Beans

1. Light feeders
2. Lettuces
3. Radishes

Avoid planting after other Amaranthaceae (Beets, Spinach, Chard).

1. Sucking insects
2. Slugs

1. Fungal diseases

1. Maintain crop rotation
2. Avoid waterlogging
3. Ensure sufficient spacing for air circulation

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

1. Slugperonospora

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Cool nights

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Wide spacing
   2. Morning watering

   Organic control

   1. Horsetail extract

1. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. Echter Mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check soil moisture
   2. Check site ventilation

Leaf color, leaf structure, presence of feeding marks.

1. Germination
2. Rosette formation
3. Stem elongation
4. Flower bud formation
5. Flowering
6. Fruit ripening
7. Seed maturation
8. Senescence

Fast-growing annual plant; the berry-like fruits develop in the leaf axils along the stem.

1. 6
2. 7
3. 8

Greenish-inconspicuous

Glomerule inflorescence

1. 6
2. 7
3. 8
4. 9
5. 10

1. Leaves
2. Pseudo-fruits

Continuous as needed; pick leaves individually, harvest berries when fully ripe.

1. Leaves are large enough for consumption
2. Pseudo-fruits are deep red and soft
3. Fruits detach easily from the stem

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

1. Refrigeration
2. Freezing (leaves)

Short-lived fresh produce

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

1. Blanching
2. Freezing
3. Preserving (as jam or syrup)

1. Salads
2. Spinach dishes
3. Garnish
4. Desserts

Leaves nutty-mild, similar to spinach; fruits rather bland to subtly sweet with a beetroot note.

1. Raw consumption
2. Sautéing
3. Steaming

1. Leaves
2. Young shoots
3. Ripe pseudo-fruits

1. Roots
2. Green (unripe) fruits
3. Seeds (in large quantities)

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

Possible; young leaves are tastier raw than old ones.

Crush overripe fruits, wash out the seeds, and dry them.

Wet cleaning: Soak fruits, rub pulp through a sieve, dry seeds thoroughly.

Store in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Germination test on damp paper at approx. 15-20°C.

Strawberry spinach is a herbaceous annual; woody plant concepts are not applicable here.

The seeds serve as a food source for small songbirds in autumn.

Pioneer plant on disturbed, nitrogen-rich soils.

Direct sowing from April; watch out for slug protection on young plants.

Harvest leaves continuously; provide sufficient shade during heatwaves.