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Good King Henry on wooden table
 
 
A traditional perennial vegetable grown for its edible leaves, shoots, and flower buds, often described as one of the best perennial spinach alternatives for temperate climates.
 
Good King Henry produces tender spring greens year after year, with young leaves used like spinach, early shoots harvested like asparagus, and unopened flower buds cooked similarly to broccoli.
 
Slow to establish but exceptionally long-lived, this hardy perennial thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive soil and performs well in full sun or partial shade. It’s a natural fit for forest gardens, potagers, and low-input growing systems, offering a reliable, productive crop with minimal ongoing maintenance once established.
 
When to Sow: Mar- May & Sep/Oct
 
HOW TO SOW GOOD KING HENRY:
Seeds need a period of cold stratification so can be sowed in Autumn and left to cold stratify naturally outside or can be placed in the fridge for a few weeks before sowing
Sow into pots or trays of moist, well-drained compost. Cover seeds lightly as darkness aids germination. Keep cool (10–18 °C). Germination can be slow and irregular — be patient. Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle and plant out once established.
Slow to establish but extremely reliable once settled.Classification: Perennial Expert Level:  Medium ( a little tricky)

Germination Time : 2-4 Weeks (Sometimes Longer)
Flowering Time:Site: Full Sun / Part ShadeSoil Type: Rich soil with lots of organic matterSoil Acidity: Moisture: Moist but well drained Care: Keep well-weeded while establishing. Mulch annually with compost or manure. Remove flowering stems if growing primarily for leaves. Plants die back in winter and re-emerge in spring.Use: Edible leaves, shoots, and flower buds
Young leaves used like spinach; shoots harvested like asparagus; flower buds cooked like broccoli.HARVESTING:
Harvest young leaves in spring and early summer. Cut tender shoots when 10–15 cm tall. Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth.Days to Maturity:  Year 2 Feed:N/AHeight:60-80cmPlant Spacing:  40-60cm

Good King Henry

SKU: 600180
£3.15Price
Quantity

  • 80 Seeds per packet Approx.

    Please note that the majority of our seeds are packed by volume so the number of seeds indicated is an approximation.

    We make every effort to provide British seeds where possible, but in some cases our British Growers are unable to grow in sufficient quantities to meet our demand or the seeds are subject to Plant breeders' rights which means it is only possible for us to buy these seeds from certain non UK sources.  

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