Saltwort Okahijiki (Salsola komarovii), also known as Japanese Greens, is a crisp, succulent leafy vegetable valued for its slightly salty flavor and refreshing texture. Popular in Japanese cuisine, its stems and leaves can be eaten raw in salads, lightly sautéed, or added to stir-fries.
This hardy, non-GMO leaf vegetable thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is fast-growing, easy to cultivate, and adds both ornamental value and nutrition to your garden. Its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite for chefs, home cooks, and health-conscious gardeners seeking a versatile leafy green.
Features
- Crisp, succulent leaves with mildly salty flavor
- Non-GMO Japanese leaf vegetable suitable for salads, stir-fries, and garnishes
- Fast-growing and easy-to-cultivate in garden beds or containers
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Adds ornamental appeal and edible greenery to gardens
Specifications
- Seed Type: Saltwort Okahijiki leaf vegetable seeds
- Botanical Name: Salsola komarovii
- Common Names: Saltwort, Okahijiki, Japanese Greens
- Plant Type: Annual leaf vegetable
- Plant Height: 6 – 12 inches
- Zones: USDA Zones 4 – 9
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Germination Time: 7 – 14 days
- Days to Maturity: 40 – 60 days
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Season: Spring and summer sowing
- Planting Depth: 1/8 – 1/4 inch
- Spacing: 3 – 6 inches apart
- Optimal Temperature: 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C)
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
- Companion Plants: Lettuce, Spinach, Radish, Herbs
- Harvest Window: Pick leaves when young for best texture; continuous harvest promotes new growth
- Flavor Profile: Mildly salty, crisp, refreshing
- Uses: Salads, stir-fries, garnishes, herb gardens, edible landscaping
- Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: No special treatment needed; soak briefly for faster germination if desired.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors or start indoors in seed trays; lightly press into soil.
- Light & Soil: Full sun to partial shade; use well-draining, fertile soil.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth.
- Harvesting: Harvest young leaves for the best texture and flavor; pick outer leaves to encourage continuous growth.
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance; thin seedlings as needed to prevent overcrowding.
