Skip to site navigation

Important notice: by continuing to use our site you are deemed to have accepted our privacy and cookie policy

Join over 55,000 other growers

Sign up for the monthly newsletter

Good King Henry

Advertise here
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Introduction

Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus), sometimes known as mercury, is a perennial that grows to around 30-60cm (1-2ft) high. The leaves can be cooked as, and taste like, spinach and they can also be eaten raw in salads. Even the young shoots are very good, tied together in bundles and cooked and eaten like asparagus. The flower buds can be sautéed in butter.

Sow

Sow seeds 6mm (1/4in) deep in rows 45cm (18in) apart between May and August.

Grow

When large enough to handle, thin the seedlings to 30-45cm (12-18in) apart.

Good King Henry grows in most reasonably light, rich soils.

Water regularly during dry periods to prevent plants going to seed prematurely.

Being hardy, it will provide pickings through the winter if covered with a cloche or similar protection.

Harvest

Harvest as required, ensuring that enough leaves are left to continue growth.

Advertise here