How Do You Grow Strawberry Spinach?

Growing Strawberry Spinach: An Unexpected Garden Gem

Spoiler alert: Strawberry spinach isn’t a true strawberry. Nor is it your average spinach. It’s a quirky, ancient plant—Chenopodium capitatum, if you’re feeling fancy—with edible leaves and jewel-like red berries. Growing it is like inviting a conversation starter into your garden, and I’ll tell you exactly how to get it thriving.

What Makes Strawberry Spinach Unique?

Let me be blunt—this plant doesn’t care about “fitting in.” Its spinach-like leaves are earthy and mild, perfect for salads. But the real showstopper? Those bright, seedy berries that sit like rubies atop the stems. They *look* sweet but bring more of a subtle, tart vibe to the table. It’s a two-in-one crop, practical and ornamental, especially if you’re tight on space.

The plant’s history dates back to the 1600s when it was foraged in Europe. It’s proof that what’s old can still feel fresh in the garden.

How to Start Growing Strawberry Spinach

Seed Selection and Prep

Strawberry spinach isn’t something you usually find in typical nurseries. You’ll need seeds from a reliable source—ideally organic, untreated ones. They’re tiny, so handle them carefully, or you’ll lose half to a gust of wind or a clumsy moment (ask me how I know).

Soak the seeds in water overnight. It’s not *strictly* necessary, but it can help speed up germination. You’re dealing with a patient plant, not a sprinter.

Soil and Light Conditions

This plant thrives in conditions that are a little *mediocre*. It’s happy in average soil—nothing fancy—but well-draining is key. If your soil resembles a swamp after rain, either fix that or raise a bed.

Full sun is ideal, though it’ll tolerate partial shade. If you have a patch that doesn’t know what it wants to be, strawberry spinach will adapt like a champ.

Planting Strawberry Spinach

Direct Sowing

Sow seeds directly into the ground as soon as the last frost passes. It’s cold-tolerant but not frost-hardy. Scatter the seeds sparingly, barely covering them with soil—less than 1/4 inch.

The seedlings will pop up in about 1-2 weeks, though in chilly weather, expect delays. Patience is part of the deal.

Spacing

Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, thin them out. Aim for about 12 inches between plants. Trust me, cramming them together will lead to weak, spindly growth. Been there, regretted that.

Caring for Strawberry Spinach

It’s a low-maintenance plant—almost suspiciously so. Let’s break down the essentials.

• Watering: Don’t overdo it. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwater, and you’ll invite mold or root rot.
• Weeding: It doesn’t compete well with aggressive weeds. Hoes and hands are your friends here.
• Feeding: Skip the fertilizer unless your soil is barren. Too much nitrogen will go to the leaves, and the berries will sulk.

Harvesting the Bounty

Leaves

Start harvesting the leaves when they’re tender, around 4-6 inches tall. Snip them off with scissors or pinch them gently. The more you pick, the more it grows—like a needy friend who thrives on attention.

Berries

Patience pays off here. The berries take time to ripen, turning a deep red when ready. Harvest them gently; they’re delicate and prone to squishing. Eat them fresh, toss them in a salad, or even dry them for a tangy snack.

Common Challenges When Growing Strawberry Spinach

Not all plants love you back without a little drama. Aphids and slugs might show up uninvited. For slugs, I sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of the plant. Aphids? A sturdy blast of water or insecticidal soap sends them packing.

Also, don’t expect berries the size of your thumb or leaves as bold as kale. This plant is subtle. Understated. A quiet achiever.

Why Grow Strawberry Spinach?

Honestly, it’s for the joy of it. It’s an heirloom oddity with a touch of whimsy. Not a staple, but certainly a delight. It fills that quiet, in-between niche in the garden—a plant that doesn’t demand much yet offers so much back.

Growing Strawberry Spinach is a rewarding experience that offers a unique combination of color, texture, and taste. With a little time and effort, anyone can successfully cultivate this remarkable vegetable. Try growing some this year and you’ll quickly be rewarded with a remarkably sweet treat straight from your garden!