Tree spinachChenopodium giganteum D.Don

Tree spinach

Tree spinach

1. Chenopodium rubricaule
2. Chenopodium amaranticolor
3. Chenopodium centrorubrum
4. Chenopodium mairei
5. Chenopodium formosanum
6. Chenopodium elegantissimum

1. Tree spinach
2. Giant goosefoot
3. Chenopodium giganteum
4. Chenopodium amaranticolor
5. Chenopodium album subsp. amaranthicolor
6. Chenopodium mairei

1. Tree spinach

1. Chenopodium giganteum
2. Tree spinach
3. Giant goosefoot

1. Angiosperms
2. Eudicots
3. Core eudicots

Amaranth family

1. Spinat
2. Guter Heinrich

1. leaves
2. young shoots

1. Taskindoor_sowing

   Label

   Start indoor pre-culture

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionindoor_germination

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow in seed compost at 18–22 °C. Do not let germination temperature drop below 15 °C.

1. Taskindoor_sowing_continue

   Label

   Continue pre-culture

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionindoor_germination

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Prick out if necessary. Direct sowing possible from mid-April.

2. Taskdirect_sowing_outdoor

   Label

   Start direct sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionsoil_temp_10c

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Sow in loose, humus-rich soil when soil temperature exceeds 10 °C.

1. Taskplanting_out

   Label

   Plant out seedlings

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionafter_ice_saints

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Space 40–50 cm within rows, 50–60 cm between rows. Cover in case of late frost risk.

1. Taskfirst_harvest

   Label

   First harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionplant_size_20cm

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest leaves and young shoots. Water during dry spells.

2. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   Conditiondry_soil

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Keep soil evenly moist, avoid waterlogging.

1. Taskregular_harvest

   Label

   Harvest regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   Conditiongrowth_stage

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest every 1–2 weeks to encourage regrowth. Provide shade during heatwaves.

2. Taskfertilizing

   Label

   Fertilize

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditiongrowth_stage

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Apply mild organic fertilizer (e.g., nettle tea) every 2–3 weeks.

1. Tasksupport_installation

   Label

   Install support

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionplant_height_150cm

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Install trellis or stakes for vigorous growth.

1. Taskfinal_harvest

   Label

   Final harvest before frost

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionbefore_first_frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest leaves and shoots. Collect seeds for next season.

1. Taskcrop_removal

   Label

   Remove plants

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionafter_harvest

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Compost or dispose of plant residues.

Suits well with cabbage, lettuce, and herbs. Avoid intercropping with heavy feeders like tomatoes or corn.

Tree spinach is a heavy feeder and should not follow other heavy feeders. Allow a 3–4 year break on the same plot.

1. legumes
2. onions
3. garlic
4. cabbage family

1. spinach
2. chard
3. beetroot
4. other Chenopodium species

Sow green manure like Phacelia or clover after harvest to regenerate soil.

1. Slugstickstoffmangel

   Name

   nitrogen deficiency

   Description

   Leaves turn pale green to yellow, growth is stunted. Visible especially on older leaves.

   Symptoms

   1. pale green to yellow leaves
   2. stunted growth
   3. poor yield formation

   Causes

   1. nutrient-poor soil
   2. insufficient organic fertilization
   3. leaching due to heavy rainfall

   Prevention

   1. fertilize regularly with organic fertilizer
   2. incorporate compost or manure
   3. apply mulch layer

   Correction

   1. apply fast-acting organic fertilizer (e.g., nettle tea)
   2. foliar feed with nitrogen
2. Slugkaliummangel

   Name

   potassium deficiency

   Description

   Leaf edges turn yellow to brown, leaves appear wilted. Growth is stunted.

   Symptoms

   1. yellow to brown leaf edges
   2. wilting
   3. stunted growth

   Causes

   1. sandy, leached soils
   2. insufficient potassium fertilization
   3. high calcium or magnesium levels

   Prevention

   1. apply potassium-rich fertilizer (e.g., Patentkali)
   2. incorporate compost or wood ash

   Correction

   1. apply fast-acting potassium fertilizer (e.g., Patentkali)
   2. foliar feed with potassium
3. Slugmagnesiummangel

   Name

   magnesium deficiency

   Description

   Yellow-green spots between leaf veins, especially on older leaves. Can lead to premature leaf drop.

   Symptoms

   1. yellow-green spots between leaf veins
   2. leaf distortion
   3. leaf drop

   Causes

   1. sandy, acidic soils
   2. high potassium or calcium levels
   3. leaching due to heavy rainfall

   Prevention

   1. apply magnesium-rich fertilizer (e.g., Epsom salt)
   2. adjust soil pH (6.0–7.5)
   3. incorporate compost

   Correction

   1. apply Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) as foliar or soil feed
   2. use magnesium-rich organic fertilizers

1. Slugphosphormangel

   Name

   phosphorus deficiency

   Description

   Leaves turn dark green to bluish, growth is severely stunted. Visible especially in cool temperatures.

   Symptoms

   1. dark green to bluish leaves
   2. stunted growth
   3. late maturity

   Causes

   1. cold soils
   2. high pH (>7.5)
   3. phosphorus leaching

   Prevention

   1. apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer (e.g., Thomas phosphate)
   2. warm soil
   3. adjust pH

   Correction

   1. apply fast-acting phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., superphosphate)
   2. foliar feed with phosphorus

1. macronutrient deficiency
2. micronutrient deficiency

1. Slugschossbildung

   Name

   bolting

   Description

   Premature flowering leading to bitter, tough leaves. Triggered by stress such as drought or long days.

   Symptoms

   1. long, thin stem
   2. flower bud formation
   3. bitter leaves

   Causes

   1. long days
   2. temperatures above 25 °C
   3. drought stress
   4. nutrient-poor soil

   Prevention

   1. sow early (March–April)
   2. water regularly
   3. provide shade in heat
   4. apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer

   Management

   1. remove flowering stems to extend harvest
   2. harvest plants at first sign of bolting
2. Slugblattverfärbungen

   Name

   leaf discoloration

   Description

   Unnatural discoloration of leaves indicating nutrient deficiency, diseases, or pests.

   Symptoms

   1. yellow, red, or brown spots
   2. leaf distortion
   3. leaf drop

   Causes

   1. nutrient deficiency
   2. fungal diseases
   3. viral infections
   4. pest infestation

   Prevention

   1. regular soil analysis
   2. balanced fertilization
   3. follow crop rotation

   Management

   1. identify cause (nutrient deficiency, disease, pest)
   2. treat accordingly
3. Slugwuchshemmung

   Name

   growth inhibition

   Description

   Plants remain small and develop poorly. Caused by nutrient deficiency, waterlogging, or pests.

   Symptoms

   1. small, weak plants
   2. yellow leaves
   3. stunted growth

   Causes

   1. nitrogen deficiency
   2. waterlogging
   3. root rot
   4. pest infestation

   Prevention

   1. balanced fertilization
   2. loose, well-drained soil
   3. regular pest inspection

   Management

   1. address cause (fertilization, drainage, pest control)
   2. transplant plants if necessary

1. Slugfrostschaeden

   Name

   frost damage

   Description

   Leaves and shoots turn brown and wilt due to frost. Young plants are particularly vulnerable.

   Symptoms

   1. brown, wilted leaves
   2. mushy leaf texture
   3. plant death

   Causes

   1. late frosts
   2. insufficient frost protection

   Prevention

   1. sow only after Ice Saints
   2. cover plants in case of late frost risk
   3. use frost protection fleece

   Management

   1. remove dead plant parts
   2. allow plants to regrow in mild weather

1. sucking insects
2. mining insects
3. slugs and snails

1. fungal diseases
2. root diseases

1. Healthy, balanced fertilization with organic materials (compost, manure)
2. Regular soil analysis and pH control (6.0–7.5)
3. Adequate but not excessive irrigation (keep soil evenly moist)
4. Follow crop rotation (3–4 year break for tree spinach)
5. Intercrop with light to medium feeders
6. Regular inspection for pests and diseases
7. Improve air circulation (avoid dense planting)
8. Avoid waterlogging (use loose, well-drained soil)
9. Frost protection measures in case of late frost risk

For unclear symptoms, first rule out nutrient deficiency, pests, and diseases. Check soil pH and nutrient content. Remove and do not compost infected leaves in case of fungal disease.

1. Slugfalscher_mehltau

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Cool, humid weather (10–20 °C)
   2. Dripping leaves (rain, irrigation)
   3. Dense stands
   4. Waterlogging in soil
   5. High humidity

   Affected parts

   1. leaves
   2. shoots

   Prevention

   1. Follow crop rotation (3–4 years)
   2. Avoid dense planting
   3. Improve air circulation
   4. Mulch soil (reduces splash water)
   5. Choose resistant varieties
   6. Use netting for rain protection

   Organic control

   1. Remove and dispose of infected leaves (do not compost)
   2. Spray copper preparations (e.g., Bordeaux mixture)
   3. Mist plants with water (reduces spore germination)
   4. Use netting for rain protection
   5. Spray horsetail decoction preventively
2. Slugechter_mehltau

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Hot, dry weather (above 25 °C)
   2. Nitrogen-rich fertilization
   3. Dense stands
   4. Poor air circulation

   Affected parts

   1. leaves

   Prevention

   1. Reduce nitrogen fertilization
   2. Avoid dense planting
   3. Improve air circulation
   4. Spray sulfur preparations preventively
   5. Use netting for shading

   Organic control

   1. Remove infected leaves
   2. Spray sulfur preparations
   3. Mist plants with water
   4. Use netting for shading
   5. Spray garlic decoction preventively
3. Slugwurzelfaeule

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging in soil
   2. Heavy, clay soils
   3. High soil moisture
   4. Temperatures below 15 °C

   Affected parts

   1. roots
   2. entire plant

   Prevention

   1. Drain soil (drainage pipes, raised beds)
   2. Use loose, well-drained soil
   3. Avoid waterlogging
   4. Follow crop rotation
   5. Reduce organic mulch layer

   Organic control

   1. Remove and dispose of infected plants
   2. Spray fungus-inhibiting agents like horsetail decoction
   3. Transplant plants to raised beds
   4. Loosen soil with sand or perlite

1. Symptom

   Leaves show yellowish spots on the upper side and violet fungal growth on the underside.

   Possible causes

   1. falscher_mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check for cool, humid weather
   2. Inspect leaf undersides for fungal growth
   3. Check soil moisture
2. Symptom

   Leaves show a white, powdery coating.

   Possible causes

   1. echter_mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check for hot, dry weather
   2. Inspect leaves for powdery coating
   3. Review nitrogen fertilization
3. Symptom

   Leaves turn pale green to yellow, growth is stunted.

   Possible causes

   1. stickstoffmangel
   2. magnesiummangel

   First checks

   1. Conduct soil analysis for nitrogen and magnesium
   2. Inspect leaves for spots
   3. Review fertilization schedule
4. Symptom

   Leaf edges turn yellow to brown, leaves appear wilted.

   Possible causes

   1. kaliummangel
   2. wurzelfaeule

   First checks

   1. Conduct soil analysis for potassium
   2. Inspect roots for rot
   3. Check soil moisture
5. Symptom

   Leaves show silvery trails or holes.

   Possible causes

   1. minierfliegen
   2. schnecken

   First checks

   1. Inspect leaves for trails
   2. Search for slugs in the evening
   3. Check soil for slime trails
6. Symptom

   Plants remain small, leaves are yellow and wilted.

   Possible causes

   1. wuchshemmung
   2. nährstoffmangel
   3. staunässe

   First checks

   1. Conduct soil analysis
   2. Inspect roots for rot
   3. Review fertilization schedule
7. Symptom

   Leaves show brown, mushy roots.

   Possible causes

   1. wurzelfaeule

   First checks

   1. Expose and inspect roots for rot
   2. Check soil moisture
   3. Improve drainage

1. germination
2. seedling stage
3. vegetative growth
4. flowering
5. fruit formation
6. maturity

Tree spinach grows quickly and can reach up to 3 m in height under good conditions. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and extends the harvest period.

Every 1–2 weeks to encourage regrowth.

1. leaves are 10–15 cm long
2. plants reach a height of 30–50 cm
3. leaves are dark green and succulent

Store harvested leaves and shoots immediately in a damp cloth or plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not wash until shortly before use.

Refrigerator (short-term)

3–5 days at 4–7 °C and high humidity

1. blanch and freeze
2. dry
3. puree for smoothies

1. leaves and young shoots as vegetable
2. raw in salads
3. puree or smoothies

Wash leaves before use and remove stems. Raw, the leaves have a nutty, slightly bitter taste. Blanching mellows the flavor. Pairs well with garlic, chili, lemon, and cream.

1. tree spinach pesto
2. tree spinach soup with potatoes and carrots
3. stuffed leaves with minced meat and rice

1. leaves
2. young shoots

1. mature seeds (may have a laxative effect in large quantities)
2. old, woody stems

Tree spinach contains oxalic acid, which in large quantities can inhibit mineral absorption. Harmless in normal, moderate consumption. Oxalic acid content can be reduced by blanching.

Yes, leaves and young shoots can be eaten raw but taste more bitter than after blanching.

Cut seed heads and allow them to finish drying in a dry, airy place. Then rub seeds out of the heads and separate from plant debris.

Separate seeds from plant debris using a sieve or fine mesh. Dry thoroughly (about 1 week) and store in paper bags or glass containers in a cool, dry place.

Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years when stored dry.

Do not stratify seeds before sowing. Germination temperature should be at least 15 °C. Direct sowing or pre-culture is possible.

Tree spinach is a versatile crop that can be used in various cultivation methods and systems.

no specific pollinators required