Tree Spinach
Chenopodium giganteumfam. Chenopodiaceae
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Pl. CDAE — Chenopodium giganteum
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IOverview
Overview
Tree Spinach (Chenopodium giganteum) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including China North-Central, East Himalaya, Manchuria, Nepal, Primorye, Tibet, and West Himalaya. This plant can grow up to 2.4 meters tall and thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It prefers a pH range of 7.5–8 and is hardy in zones 4-8. Known for its edible leaves, tree spinach is valued both as an ornamental plant due to its size and as a food source in certain regions. Its distinctive feature includes the ability to grow quite large, making it a striking addition to gardens or landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Tree Spinach?
Tree Spinach (Chenopodium giganteum) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including China North-Central, East Himalaya, Manchuria, Nepal, Primorye, Tibet, and West Himalaya. This plant can grow up to 2.4 meters tall and thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tree Spinach thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 4-8. This annual plant can grow up to 2.4 meters tall and requires a soil pH of 7.5–8 for optimal growth. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest the edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
2.4 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Tree Spinach for the first time
8steps
Start with Tree Spinach as a simple annual crop for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting mix, and a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Tree Spinach after the last frost in spring when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil that is well-draining with a pH of 7.5–8, or use containers filled with potting mix suitable for light to heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots about 4 weeks before planting outside. Transplant seedlings when they have several true leaves and the weather is warm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds and direct sun until plants are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering to maintain moisture levels in the soil. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth and harvest young leaves for cooking. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too early in cold soil, neglecting regular pruning, using incorrect pH soil, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Tree Spinach (Chenopodium giganteum) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared in stir-fries, soups, or as a side dish. SKIP
Other uses:DyeLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 23 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 7 native· 23 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)AustriaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalUnited Kingdom
Asia6 regions
native (2)ChinaNepal
introduced (4)ChinaIndiaPhilippinesTaiwan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Cuba
Africa7 regions
introduced (7)AlgeriaEgyptEswatiniLibyaMoroccoTunisiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Primorye, West Himalaya
introduced:Kriti, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Northern Provinces, Argentina Northeast
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
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