Strawberry Spinach: Multiplying Your Edible Ornament
Strawberry Spinach, also known by its scientific name Blitum capitatum (formerly Chenopodium capitatum), is an intriguing plant that is as beautiful as it is delicious. This unique annual treats you to vibrant red, strawberry-like fruit clusters that rise above spinach-like leaves. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to propagate, allowing you to easily multiply your stock and enjoy this conversation-starting plant year after year.
This guide dives into the two most effective methods of propagating Strawberry Spinach:
1. Seed Starting: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Growing Strawberry Spinach from seed is incredibly rewarding and the most common propagation method. Here’s how:
- Timing is Key: Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your region. This gives seedlings a head start and ensures they’re robust enough to thrive outdoors.
- Sowing with Care: Use a seed starting mix that’s light and airy. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and mist gently to avoid dislodging them.
- Light and Warmth: Place your seed tray in a warm, brightly lit location. A sunny windowsill or under grow lights works well. Aim for a consistent temperature around 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination.
- Patience is a Virtue: Germination can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks. During this time, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Thinning the Herd: If multiple seedlings sprout in a single cell, thin them out to leave the strongest one. Gently snip off the weaker seedlings at the soil level to avoid disturbing the roots of the remaining plant.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate your seedlings to the elements. Introduce them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods each day for about a week.
- Transplant Time: Once the danger of frost has passed, carefully transplant your seedlings into the garden, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
2. Division: Sharing is Caring (for Your Plants!)
If you have an established Strawberry Spinach plant, division is another excellent propagation method:
- Ideal Timing: Early spring, just as new growth emerges, is the perfect time to divide your plant.
- Digging In: Carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible.
- Divide and Conquer: Gently separate the plant into sections, ensuring each section has a good amount of roots and shoots. You can use your hands or a sharp, clean knife to divide.
- Replanting: Replant your divisions immediately in prepared garden beds or containers, spacing them as you would for seedlings. Water thoroughly after planting.
Bonus Tip: Strawberry Spinach readily self-sows. If you allow a few flower heads to mature and disperse their seeds, you might find volunteer seedlings popping up the next spring – a delightful surprise for any gardener!
Reap the Rewards:
Whether you choose seed starting or division, propagating your Strawberry Spinach allows you to enjoy a bountiful harvest of this unusual edible. Use the leaves fresh in salads or sautéed like spinach. The fruit, while slightly bland on its own, adds a unique texture and splash of color to salads, and can be used to make jams or incorporated into baking for a vibrant twist.
So, why not give propagation a try? With a little effort, you can expand your Strawberry Spinach patch and enjoy this versatile and visually striking plant for years to come.