The Strawberry Spinach (Chenopodium foliosum), also known as Strawberry Sticks, is a unique dual-purpose plant valued for both its tender, spinach-like leaves and its decorative, sweet-tart red berries that resemble miniature strawberries.
This ancient heirloom variety, native to Europe and Asia, offers a nutrient-rich harvest that can be enjoyed from leaf to berry. The leaves are great for salads, sautés, and smoothies, while the small red berries provide a lightly sweet accent for desserts or fresh snacking.
Its compact growth habit and attractive appearance make it an excellent choice for edible gardens, raised beds, or ornamental borders. The plant thrives in cool to warm climates and can be grown as an annual in most regions.
Features
- 🌿 Dual-Purpose Plant: Edible spinach-like greens and sweet red berries.
- 🍓 Eye-Catching Berries: Bright red fruit clusters resemble miniature strawberries.
- 🥗 Highly Nutritious: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and minerals.
- 🌞 Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates.
- 🌎 Non-GMO & Heirloom: Naturally open-pollinated and untreated seeds.
Specifications
- Common Name: Strawberry Spinach / Strawberry Sticks
- Scientific Name: Chenopodium foliosum
- Plant Type: Annual or biennial herb
- USDA Zones: 3 – 9
- Mature Height: 12 – 24 inches (30 – 60 cm)
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Watering: Moderate, consistent moisture
- Days to Maturity: 50 – 70 days for leaves; 80 – 90 days for berries
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Harvest Season: Late spring to summer
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Early spring after frost danger passes, or late summer for fall harvest.
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
- Spacing: 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm) apart.
- Germination Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Germination Time: 7–14 days.
- Transplanting: Optional—can be direct-sown outdoors.
- Harvesting: Pick young leaves for tender greens; harvest berries when fully red.
Care Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist for best growth and berry production.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Trim flower stalks if growing primarily for leafy greens.
- Berries can reseed naturally for next season’s growth.
