Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Aztec Red Spinach. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

Branching annual to a few feet. Has a weedy growth habit. Leaves are tinged red with flower spikes appearing during warm months.

Hardiness

Annual, will reseed in frost and freeze zones.

Growing Environment

Grows in pretty much any soil type. Grow in full sun.

Propagation

By seeds.

Uses

Leaves are eaten like spinach, though they contain saponins and oxalic acid (like some other edible plants) and probably shouldn't be eaten in huge quantities. The leaves are reportedly quite nutritious and the seed was also once used as an important grain crop, much like quinoa. Seeds should be soaked before using.

Native Range

Native throughout the contiguous United States.

Related Species

Amaranthaceae
	Chenopodium ambrosoides Epazote		Chenopodium berlandieri Aztec Red Spinach