{"product_id":"strawberry-spinach","title":"Strawberry Spinach","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"994\" data-start=\"415\"\u003eStrawberry Spinach is a delightful and unusual leafy green that offers both beauty and utility in the garden. A relative of true spinach, it produces tender, edible greens that can be harvested young for salads or cooked like traditional spinach. As the season progresses, it forms clusters of tiny red berries along its stems—visually striking and edible, though they offer only a mild flavour. Compact in form and reaching up to 45cm tall, this dual-purpose plant is perfect for small gardens, container growing, or ornamental edible landscaping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1240\" data-start=\"996\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1038\" data-start=\"996\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Strawberry Spinach?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1041\" data-start=\"1038\"\u003eBest suited to Zones 3–9, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of cooler conditions and can be grown in spring and fall for the best leaf quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1652\" data-start=\"1242\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1273\" data-start=\"1242\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1276\" data-start=\"1273\"\u003eStrawberry Spinach (\u003cem data-end=\"1314\" data-start=\"1296\"\u003eBlitum capitatum\u003c\/em\u003e) is native to Canada and the United States\u003cspan\u003e and has been growing wild since ancient times. The plant was introduced to Europe in the 1600's and h\u003c\/span\u003eas been cultivate there since the Middle Ages. It was prized for its edible leaves and unique ornamental berries. Though the berries are not highly flavourful, they were once used as a food dye and to add visual interest to dishes. The plant remains a favourite today in permaculture and heirloom gardens for its multifunctional value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1945\" data-start=\"1654\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1683\" data-start=\"1654\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1686\" data-start=\"1683\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1700\" data-start=\"1686\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in early spring or fall for multiple harvests.\u003cbr data-end=\"1761\" data-start=\"1758\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1775\" data-start=\"1761\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds directly in spring or start indoors for early transplant.\u003cbr data-end=\"1846\" data-start=\"1843\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1860\" data-start=\"1846\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors and transplant after last frost; prefers cool-weather growing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1945\" data-start=\"1654\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2309\" data-start=\"1947\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1993\" data-start=\"1947\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Strawberry Spinach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1996\" data-start=\"1993\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2009\" data-start=\"1996\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1cm (0.5in) deep, spacing 15–20cm (6–8in) apart.\u003cbr data-end=\"2071\" data-start=\"2068\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2084\" data-start=\"2071\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.\u003cbr data-end=\"2131\" data-start=\"2128\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2146\" data-start=\"2131\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest leaves when young and tender; berries can be picked when fully red.\u003cbr data-end=\"2225\" data-start=\"2222\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2241\" data-start=\"2225\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal maintenance; mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2656\" data-start=\"2311\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2349\" data-start=\"2311\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2352\" data-start=\"2349\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2374\" data-start=\"2352\"\u003eLet Plants Mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow some plants to fully flower and set seed.\u003cbr data-end=\"2425\" data-start=\"2422\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2443\" data-start=\"2425\"\u003eCollect Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once dry, shake or clip seed heads and collect the tiny seeds.\u003cbr data-end=\"2509\" data-start=\"2506\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2527\" data-start=\"2509\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure seeds are thoroughly dry and store in airtight containers.\u003cbr data-end=\"2596\" data-start=\"2593\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2606\" data-start=\"2596\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in a cool, dry place; viable for 3–5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2737\" data-start=\"2658\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2682\" data-start=\"2658\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2685\" data-start=\"2682\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2737\" data-start=\"2685\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811181736178,"sku":"MF-NATIVE-022","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Strawberry-Spinach-scaled_1aa66d48-8064-4be7-bf74-de67838412db.jpg?v=1772481887","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/strawberry-spinach","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}