Chenopodium capitatum

Sowing, spacing, and simple care

Chenopodium capitatum seeds germinate readily when sown directly as soon as soil is workable, or started for transplanting after last frost; in mild-winter climates, autumn sowing is possible. Choose full sun to light shade and a well-drained, moderately fertile soil, though this plant tolerates poorer ground. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence, then water regularly without waterlogging. Thin seedlings to maintain airflow and a compact to medium habit, following packet guidance for final spacing. Light mulching helps conserve moisture and limit weeds. Succession sow at intervals for a steady display and harvest. In containers, use a free-draining mix and avoid crowding.

• Direct sow when soil is workable; start transplants after last frost. In mild-winter areas, autumn sowing may succeed.
• Grow in full sun to light shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poorer soils.
• Suitable for containers; use a pot with drainage and a free-draining medium.
• Often grown for edible parts; verify identification before any use.
• Adds ornamental interest with colourful seed clusters and foliage.

How do I grow strawberry spinach from seed?

Sow strawberry spinach (also called strawberry blite) shallowly, as the seeds are small. Direct sow Chenopodium capitatum seeds on finely prepared soil, pressing them into the surface and covering very lightly (about 2–3 mm). Keep the bed evenly moist until emergence. Germination usually takes 7–21 days depending on temperature. You can also start in trays and transplant carefully after the last frost, though direct sowing is simplest. Thin seedlings gradually to final spacing once they have a few true leaves. Succession sow every few weeks for a longer harvest of leaves and decorative fruiting clusters.

When should I sow Chenopodium capitatum?

Direct sow as soon as the soil is workable and no longer waterlogged. If starting under cover, sow 3–4 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors after the last frost date. In areas with mild winters, an autumn sowing can establish plants for early growth when temperatures rise. For continuous supply, repeat small sowings through late spring (Northern Hemisphere) / late spring (Southern Hemisphere) while conditions are cool to mild, as hot weather can hasten bolting and reduce leaf quality.

What sun, soil, and watering conditions does Chenopodium capitatum need?

Provide full sun to light shade; in hotter periods, light afternoon shade helps maintain leaf tenderness and moisture. Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; it tolerates poorer soils but performs best where drainage is good and fertility is balanced. Avoid freshly manured beds to reduce overly lush, floppy growth. Keep moisture consistent, watering to maintain an evenly moist (not saturated) root zone. Mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, plants cope with brief dry spells, but regular watering supports steady leaf production and good fruit set.

What spacing and height should I expect for strawberry spinach plants?

Strawberry spinach is compact to medium in habit, typically reaching 20–45 cm tall with a similar spread. Thin or transplant to about 20–30 cm between plants, with 30–40 cm between rows if row-sown. Aim for good airflow to reduce humidity around foliage. Crowded plants stay smaller and may be more prone to mildew in damp conditions, while generous spacing encourages sturdier growth and easier harvesting of both leaves and the red, berry-like clusters.

Can I grow strawberry spinach in containers?

Yes, it is well suited to containers. Choose a pot with good drainage, at least 20–25 cm deep; allow roughly 5–10 litres of volume per plant for steady growth. Use a free-draining, peat-free potting mix enriched with a modest amount of compost. Position in full sun to light shade and water regularly so the mix stays evenly moist. Container plants dry faster than those in beds, so check moisture often in warm, windy weather. Light, occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser supports ongoing growth.

How do I harvest the edible leaves and berries, and how can I save seed?

Pick young leaves as a cut-and-come-again crop, harvesting lightly from each plant to maintain vigor. The red, strawberry-like clusters are ready when fully coloured and slightly soft; twist or snip them off gently. For seed saving, let several clusters fully mature on the plant, then collect and mash the pulp in water to release the tiny black seeds. Rinse, decant debris, and dry seeds thoroughly on a clean surface before storing cool and dry. Plants can self-seed; deadhead spent clusters or mulch beds if you wish to limit volunteers the following season.

Growing guidance provided across this site is general and intended for a wide range of conditions. Outcomes vary with microclimate, soil type, exposure, and cultivation practices. Individual product pages include variety-specific instructions on sowing, spacing, and care. Timings should be adjusted to local conditions, for example after the last frost and when soil is workable, to reflect the realities of each garden setting.

Cultivation notes for strawberry spinach

Chenopodium capitatum, often called strawberry spinach, thrives in cool, bright conditions. Sow shallowly in fine, moist soil after the last frost, or under cover when the soil is workable; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. A free-draining, moderately fertile bed supports steady growth; avoid overly rich soils that encourage soft foliage. Space rows 25–30 cm apart and thin seedlings to 15–20 cm, keeping the surface evenly moist until established. Plants tolerate full sun to light shade; in hot spells, afternoon shade helps prevent stress. For a continuous supply, make small, staggered sowings every few weeks. Harvest tender leaves young, and allow some plants to mature for colourful seed heads later in the season. Remove competing weeds early and mulch to conserve moisture. Germination is usually quick in cool conditions; if seeds are slow, a brief chill prior to sowing can help. Save a few plants for self-seeding if a naturalised patch is desired.