Strawberry Blite
Blitum capitatum
zones 2-7
30 seeds
Strawberry Blite is an edible annual plant, also known as Blite Goosefoot, Strawberry Goosefoot, Strawberry Spinach, Indian Paint, and Indian Ink.
It is native to most of North America throughout the United States and Canada, including northern areas. It is considered to be endangered in Ohio. It is also found in parts of Europe and New Zealand.
Fruit are small, pulpy, bright red, and edible, resembling strawberries, though their taste is more bland. The juice from the fruit was also used as a red dye by native North Americans. The fruits contain small, black, lens-shaped seeds that are 0.7–1.2 mm long. The greens contain vitamins A and C; they are edible raw when young or as a potherb. If raw they should be eaten in moderation as they contain oxalates. The seeds may be toxic in large amounts.
Strawberry Blite is found in moist mountain valleys.
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.
Blitum capitatum
zones 2-7
30 seeds
Strawberry Blite is an edible annual plant, also known as Blite Goosefoot, Strawberry Goosefoot, Strawberry Spinach, Indian Paint, and Indian Ink.
It is native to most of North America throughout the United States and Canada, including northern areas. It is considered to be endangered in Ohio. It is also found in parts of Europe and New Zealand.
Fruit are small, pulpy, bright red, and edible, resembling strawberries, though their taste is more bland. The juice from the fruit was also used as a red dye by native North Americans. The fruits contain small, black, lens-shaped seeds that are 0.7–1.2 mm long. The greens contain vitamins A and C; they are edible raw when young or as a potherb. If raw they should be eaten in moderation as they contain oxalates. The seeds may be toxic in large amounts.
Strawberry Blite is found in moist mountain valleys.
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.
Blitum capitatum
zones 2-7
30 seeds
Strawberry Blite is an edible annual plant, also known as Blite Goosefoot, Strawberry Goosefoot, Strawberry Spinach, Indian Paint, and Indian Ink.
It is native to most of North America throughout the United States and Canada, including northern areas. It is considered to be endangered in Ohio. It is also found in parts of Europe and New Zealand.
Fruit are small, pulpy, bright red, and edible, resembling strawberries, though their taste is more bland. The juice from the fruit was also used as a red dye by native North Americans. The fruits contain small, black, lens-shaped seeds that are 0.7–1.2 mm long. The greens contain vitamins A and C; they are edible raw when young or as a potherb. If raw they should be eaten in moderation as they contain oxalates. The seeds may be toxic in large amounts.
Strawberry Blite is found in moist mountain valleys.
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.