Red Goosefoot
Chenopodium rubrum
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Pl. D774 — Chenopodium rubrum
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IOverview
Overview
Red Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium rubrum, is an annual plant that thrives in full sun and moist conditions, growing up to 0.6 meters tall. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, and Alberta, it has spread across a wide range of habitats from Europe to North America and Asia. This plant is valued for its edible leaves and seeds, making it a useful addition to gardens or wild areas where it can grow in light, medium, or heavy soil types. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various environments, allowing it to flourish in both temperate and more extreme climates.
Quick answers
What is Red Goosefoot?
Red Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium rubrum, is an annual plant that thrives in full sun and moist conditions, growing up to 0.6 meters tall. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, and Alberta, it has spread across a wide range of habitats from Europe to North America and Asia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red Goosefoot thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows to about 0.6 meters tall and is native to regions spanning from Afghanistan to Alaska. It's hardy in temperate regions but can be grown as an edible source of leaves and seeds. Propagate through seed sowing directly into the garden soil after all danger of frost has passed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Red Goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Red Goosefoot is a straightforward annual plant for beginners, perfect for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and moist.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant when seedlings have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin plants to about 1 foot apart once they are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The red goosefoot's leaves and seeds are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are often dried before use in various culinary applications. Both parts add a mild, slightly salty flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyHungaryRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Idaho
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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