Magenta Spreen

Magenta Spreen is a beautiful and nutritious leafy green, also known as lamb’s quarters, with bright magenta tips that make it a standout in the garden. Best harvested young for a fresh, spinach-like flavour, it’s delicious raw in salads or lightly cooked in stir-fries. As the plants mature, they grow tall and produce long seed stalks, adding structure and visual interest to garden beds. A fast-growing annual that thrives in many soil types, it self-seeds readily, making it a low-maintenance addition to your edible landscape.

Where Can You Grow Magenta Spreen?
This adaptable green grows well in Zones 3–9 and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. It performs equally well in raised beds, vegetable plots, and naturalised garden spaces.

History and Historical Uses
Lamb’s quarters have been valued by cultures around the world for centuries as a nutrient-rich, easy-to-grow food source. A wild edible in many regions, this magenta-tipped variety is particularly ornamental. Historically used as a spinach substitute, it has been appreciated for both its culinary versatility and soil-enriching qualities when left to compost in place.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Direct sow from early spring through late summer for continuous harvest.
Zones 5-7: Sow outdoors after last frost and again mid-summer for autumn greens.
Zones 3-4: Start in late spring and let plants self-seed for natural regeneration.

How to Grow and Harvest Magenta Spreen

Planting: Sow seeds directly 6mm (¼in) deep, spacing 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.
Watering: Water regularly during dry spells, especially when plants are young.
Harvesting: Pick tender young leaves when 10-20cm (4-8in) tall for best flavour.
Maintenance: Thin as needed to avoid overcrowding and allow reseeding.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Allow to Flower: Let some plants grow to full maturity and form seed heads.
Collect Seeds: When seeds are dry and brown, shake or strip them into a container.
Dry and Clean: Remove debris and dry seeds thoroughly.
Store: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)