Herbs > Good King Henry Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow good king henry:

Name
Chenopodium bonus henricus.

Family
Chenopodiaceae.

History
In ancient times this herb was also called Mercury or Wild Spinach.

Growing pattern
Annual.

Seeds
BuyGood King Henry Seeds from The Green Chronicle (Pay in £, $US, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings, Seeds and Spices - Buy organic herbs and spices from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
The seeds of Good King Henry can be sown outdoors in the late spring or early summer. Thin the seedlings to 45cm apart. The herb will often seed itself.

Soil condition/position
Good King Henry likes light, rich soil and is often found in the wild.

Appearance
Good King Henry grows to a height of 30cm. its leaves are arrow shaped and it tastes very much like spinach.

Uses
The leaves can be cooked as spinach and they can be eaten raw in salads. The young shoots are very good tied together in bundles and cooked and eaten like asparagus.