Fig-Leaved Goosefoot
Chenopodium ficifoliumfam. Chenopodiaceae
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Pl. 3B3A — Chenopodium ficifolium
Chenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifoliumChenopodium ficifolium
IOverview
Overview
Fig-Leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium ficifolium) is a light-loving annual herb that grows up to 0.9 meters tall and thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Austria, Bulgaria, China, and parts of Europe and Asia, this plant is known for its edible leaves and seeds. Its distinctive feature lies in its large, fig-like leaves, which give it an ornamental appeal as well as a unique identifier among other members of the Goosefoot family.
Quick answers
What is Fig-Leaved Goosefoot?
Fig-Leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium ficifolium) is a light-loving annual herb that grows up to 0.9 meters tall and thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Fig-Leaved Goosefoot thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and prefers moist conditions. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and grows up to 0.9 meters tall as an annual forb/herb. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden bed where they will receive full sun or partial shade. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. SKIP
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Fig-Leaved Goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Start with Fig-Leaved Goosefoot as an easy-to-grow annual herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth in mid-summer to encourage bushy foliage and prevent flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsRussiaUkraine
Asia9 regions
native (9)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanLaosMyanmarNepalSouth Korea
Africa1 region
native (1)Egypt
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Khabarovsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Chenopodiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Chenopodiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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