Good King Henry

Germination

Sow directly in early spring-summer. Surface sow in rows 45cm apart. Cover seed with a little soil. Keep moist at all times. Germination can be erratic taking a few weeks to several months. Seed can have a natural dormancy, but ideal weather conditions will break this. Do not transplant seedlings, allow to grow on where sown. Thin seedlings as needed.

Growing

Prefers any soil in any situation. Water during dry spells. Suitable for container planting. Slow growing in the 1st season, keep hoed and harvest only a few leaves. Full harvest possible in the 2nd year.

Cultivation

In the 2nd autumn cut down all foliage and mulch well. This will cause new shoots to form for the following years harvest. Shoots can be harvested from Apr-Jun. cook and eat like Asparagus. After June allow leaves to form, these can be eaten young in salads or cooked like Spinach. Flower heads can be sautéed in butter.