Good King Henry Seeds (Blitum bonus-henricus)

Good King Henry is an archaic, centuries-old perennial vegetable of many interesting names: poor-man’s asparagus, Lincolnshire spinach and various others.

This 2-foot-tall spinach relative, occurs as an ancient semi-wild vegetable across Europe. It’s a fun addition to wild plant gardens and food forests (and yes, it can tolerate partial shade).

The young, spring shoots of Good King Henry can be clipped like asparagus, while the spring and summer foliage can be clipped and cooked identically to spinach. (Note: by late summer the plant becomes tough, and excessive in oxalic acid, making it less pleasant to eat). More creative preparations of this plant use the flowers (like broccoli), the rhizomes, and even the seeds (which are prepared like quinoa).

This plant is best established with cold stratification (as expected from a northern and high elevation European species), and it is best planted in compost- or humus-rich soil. Additionally, we think Good King Henry is better established through direct sowing in well-prepared ground rather than in transplant trays.

Additionally, here’s few cultural notes to keep in mind with Good King Henry:

First, this is still a wild species, not a plant that has been ‘improved’ or bred for exceptional yields. Don’t rush your harvests. Allow Good King Henry to grow for several years before harvesting. This will give the plants a chance to fully establish themselves and be more tolerant of human browsing.

Second, don’t over-harvest. Taking more than 25% of this plant’s biomass in a single year is probably too taxing.

Third – one plant can make more plants! Mature specimens of Good King Henry can be divided with good effect. Dig in early autumn to cut and separate rhizomes into new individual plants.  

Approximately 30 Seeds (0.1 grams)