Strawberry Blite
Chenopodium capitatum
(Blite goosefoot, Strawberry goose foot, Beetberry, Strawberry spinach, Indian paint, Indian ink, Blitum capitatum)
zones 2-7
30 seeds
Strawberry Blite is an edible annual plant that is native to most of North America throughout the United States and Canada. It is also found in parts of Europe and New Zealand. The genus, Chenopodium, has a undeserved reputation as a “weed” and is notable for its wide variety of nutritious and edible plants, including lambs quarters, spinach, and beets. Strawberry Blite is found growing in rich, moist soil from old barnyards to high rocky peaks.
The so-called “fruit” are actually clusters of succulent flowers. They are small, pulpy, bright red, and resemble a wild strawberry. They are edible, though rather seedy and not as flavorful as the appearance would lead one to believe. The flavor depends on the quality of the soil where the plant is growing and can range from flavorless to mildly sweet. The juice from the fruit was also used as a red dye by native North Americans.
The greens contain vitamins A and C and are edible either raw or cooked. If raw they should be eaten in moderation as they contain oxalates. The seeds may be toxic in large amounts.
Strawberry Blite, like most tender greens, grows best in cool weather. If you live in an area with a mild winter or hot summers, it is best to plant Strawberry Blite in the spring and fall to avoid bolting in the heat of summer.
Can be direct sown into a well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil high in organic matter 2-3 weeks before average frost. Or may be sown indoors in pots 3-4 weeks before average frost, and transplanted out after chance of frost. Needs full sun and cooler temperatures to prevent early bolting, but will tolerate some afternoon shade.
Chenopodium capitatum
(Blite goosefoot, Strawberry goose foot, Beetberry, Strawberry spinach, Indian paint, Indian ink, Blitum capitatum)
zones 2-7
30 seeds
Strawberry Blite is an edible annual plant that is native to most of North America throughout the United States and Canada. It is also found in parts of Europe and New Zealand. The genus, Chenopodium, has a undeserved reputation as a “weed” and is notable for its wide variety of nutritious and edible plants, including lambs quarters, spinach, and beets. Strawberry Blite is found growing in rich, moist soil from old barnyards to high rocky peaks.
The so-called “fruit” are actually clusters of succulent flowers. They are small, pulpy, bright red, and resemble a wild strawberry. They are edible, though rather seedy and not as flavorful as the appearance would lead one to believe. The flavor depends on the quality of the soil where the plant is growing and can range from flavorless to mildly sweet. The juice from the fruit was also used as a red dye by native North Americans.
The greens contain vitamins A and C and are edible either raw or cooked. If raw they should be eaten in moderation as they contain oxalates. The seeds may be toxic in large amounts.
Strawberry Blite, like most tender greens, grows best in cool weather. If you live in an area with a mild winter or hot summers, it is best to plant Strawberry Blite in the spring and fall to avoid bolting in the heat of summer.
Can be direct sown into a well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil high in organic matter 2-3 weeks before average frost. Or may be sown indoors in pots 3-4 weeks before average frost, and transplanted out after chance of frost. Needs full sun and cooler temperatures to prevent early bolting, but will tolerate some afternoon shade.
Chenopodium capitatum
(Blite goosefoot, Strawberry goose foot, Beetberry, Strawberry spinach, Indian paint, Indian ink, Blitum capitatum)
zones 2-7
30 seeds
Strawberry Blite is an edible annual plant that is native to most of North America throughout the United States and Canada. It is also found in parts of Europe and New Zealand. The genus, Chenopodium, has a undeserved reputation as a “weed” and is notable for its wide variety of nutritious and edible plants, including lambs quarters, spinach, and beets. Strawberry Blite is found growing in rich, moist soil from old barnyards to high rocky peaks.
The so-called “fruit” are actually clusters of succulent flowers. They are small, pulpy, bright red, and resemble a wild strawberry. They are edible, though rather seedy and not as flavorful as the appearance would lead one to believe. The flavor depends on the quality of the soil where the plant is growing and can range from flavorless to mildly sweet. The juice from the fruit was also used as a red dye by native North Americans.
The greens contain vitamins A and C and are edible either raw or cooked. If raw they should be eaten in moderation as they contain oxalates. The seeds may be toxic in large amounts.
Strawberry Blite, like most tender greens, grows best in cool weather. If you live in an area with a mild winter or hot summers, it is best to plant Strawberry Blite in the spring and fall to avoid bolting in the heat of summer.
Can be direct sown into a well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil high in organic matter 2-3 weeks before average frost. Or may be sown indoors in pots 3-4 weeks before average frost, and transplanted out after chance of frost. Needs full sun and cooler temperatures to prevent early bolting, but will tolerate some afternoon shade.