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Post by Walk on Dec 10, 2014 15:18:51 GMT -5
Anyone here growing Caucasian Mountain Spinach - Hablitzia tamnoides? It's being offered by Fedco Seeds and is supposed to be a hardy perennial (zones 3-6). I was wondering if it is invasive? Does it need a trellis? Does it taste good?
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Post by oxbowfarm on Dec 10, 2014 15:40:39 GMT -5
It needs a trellis. I have not heard of it becoming invasive. ottawagardener needs to chime in about all her different varieties of Hablitzia. |
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Post by starry on Dec 10, 2014 18:39:14 GMT -5
Anyone here growing Caucasian Mountain Spinach - Hablitzia tamnoides? It's being offered by Fedco Seeds and is supposed to be a hardy perennial (zones 3-6). I was wondering if it is invasive? Does it need a trellis? Does it taste good? If you're on facebook you can get a lot of answers on the Friends Of Hablitzia tamnoides group. I pretty much only use facebook for plant/gardening related topics and find these types of groups quite useful. www.facebook.com/groups/hablitzia/ |
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Post by ottawagardener on Dec 11, 2014 9:40:56 GMT -5
Hello!
I've had accessions from a number of sources including Germany, Finland, Norway, 'Wild' and another one. I'd have to check my records. There are differences in stem coloration, leaf size, vining habit.
It tastes great. Slow growing the first year but getting quite large. It even tastes good after going to seed which is saying something for a greens plant. In our region it requires good moisture which usually means shade. This might be true everywhere but I can't comment on other people's growing experiences. I grow most of mine at the base of deciduous fruit trees.
I have seen no self seeding though my seed crop has high germination rates so it's possible that the invertebrate predators take care of the extras however Stevil has seen seeding. It seems to require two plants which could be a way of control if warranted. It is not invasive by roots but forms a clump.
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Post by ottawagardener on Dec 11, 2014 9:41:37 GMT -5
Oh the Fedco seed source is someone who posts on Friends of Hablitzia on Facebook if you go there. you could ask specifically about his plants.
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Post by Walk on Dec 11, 2014 15:16:20 GMT -5
Wow!!! Thanks for the tips. I may be getting this after all.
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