Strawberry spinach gets its name from two different parts of the plant, both of which are edible. Producing greens that are picked and cooked like spinach, and strawberry-red mild-sweet berries, which have also been used traditionally for dyes. Either part of the plant makes great addition to salad and other green dishes. Also easy to grow, Blitum capitatum makes a great addition to any herb garden that has sun and space to spare. Tends to be pest free, and very mild in flavor. The berries more closely resemble raspberries or mulberries in appearance as opposed to strawberries, gaining its namesake from the color of the berries instead.

Growing Instructions: Plant in full sun, and provide moderate water. Strawberry spinach can withstand light freezes and is more heat tolerant compared to traditional spinach. When planting in zones with colder winters (USDA 6 and below) plant in early spring. In warmer zones (USDA 7 and above) you may plant in the early fall. The berries will set later, in the summer for spring plantings and in the spring for fall plantings. You may direct sow, planting the seeds 1-2 inches apart in rows that are, 1ft – 1.5ft apart. You can also start your plants indoors early if you desire. Planting early is beneficial if you desire to harvest the berries earlier in the growing season than they normally set. Place your seeds in seed starting trays, covering the seeds with ¼ inch of soil and watering thoroughly. This should be done several weeks before you plan on transplanting. The seedlings will be ready once their second set of true leaves have formed.

Apart from regular watering, care of strawberry spinach plants is very minimal. It is self-seeding, so to prevent this regularly deadhead your strawberry spinach. It should be noted deadheading will prevent the plant from setting fruit.