Good King Henry
Blitum bonus-henricus · Amaranthaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant good king henry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Adult size
- 16 to 32 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to 5°F)
- Origin
- Alps and mountainous regions of Europe
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly moist soil
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but without waterlogging. Water more during active growth and dry periods. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Exposure
Plant in full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Good-King-Henry tolerates partial shade but fruits better in sunlight. Choose a spot sheltered from strong winds.
Soil and Preparation
Enrich the soil with compost or well-decomposed manure before planting. Fertile, slightly alkaline soil is ideal. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Harvesting
Pinch young shoots to encourage branching and compact form. Harvest leaves regularly as needed to stimulate production. Cut flower clusters if they become invasive.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts. An additional application in mid-summer supports leaf production. Prefer organic inputs (compost, plant tea) over chemical fertilizers.
Diseases and Pests
Good-King-Henry is generally very robust and rarely affected by diseases. Occasionally watch for aphids and slugs, especially in humid conditions. Good drainage and adequate air circulation prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Good-King-Henry, also called poor man's asparagus, was once cultivated as a leaf vegetable in Northern Europe and mountainous regions. Its common name evokes a historical allusion to King Henry VIII or a 16th-century German botanist. Completely forgotten in the 20th century, it's experiencing renewed interest from modern gardeners who are rediscovering its nutritious and flavorful leaves.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.