Caucasian Spinach (Hablitzia Tamnoides)

Caucasian Spinach (Hablitzia Tamnoides) is a very hardy and long living plant which grows happily in light shade. It dies back in the winter months, then sends out purplish shoots in the spring. Some of these can be harvested and eaten as an asparagus alternative. The shoots that are left will then continue to grow in a vining habit. They should be given something to grow up. The young leaves can be eaten raw, while larger leaves can be cooked as a spinach alternative.

The plant will take around 3 years to form a robust base, so shoots should not be harvested in the first few years. However, the plant lives for around 40 years so will give many years of useful crops. It is hardy down to around -20c and prefers a light, loamy soil in damp conditions. It prefers neutral or slightly alkaline conditions.