How to Grow Good King Henry
Good King Henry
Chenopodium bonus-henricus
vegetableGood King Henry is a perennial leafy green vegetable native to Europe, belonging to the amaranth family. It produces tender, spinach-like leaves and edible flower shoots that can be harvested year after year. This hardy, cold-tolerant plant is increasingly popular among permaculture gardeners for its nutritional value and minimal maintenance requirements.
When should you plant Good King Henry in your zone?
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Example Good King Henry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Good King Henry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Good King Henry
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Good King Henry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; extremely cold-hardy and prefers cooler climates
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and delicate
Keep soil consistently moist; protect from harsh direct sun if grown indoors initially; thin seedlings to proper spacing
Establishment
4-6 weeksPlants develop deeper roots and fuller rosette of leaves; 6-12 inches tall
Reduce watering frequency as plants mature; apply mulch around base; avoid fertilizer excess
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing, 2+ months before first major harvestMature rosette of deep green, arrow-shaped leaves; plant becomes bushy and robust
Begin light leaf harvesting; maintain consistent moisture; side-dress with compost in spring
Flowering & Shoot Production
4-8 weeks in springIn spring of second year and beyond, tender flower shoots emerge from the center; small yellowish-green flowers develop
Harvest shoots when 4-6 inches tall and tender; allow some shoots to flower for plant vigor and self-seeding
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Hand-pick; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; mulch with coarse materials; encourage ground beetles
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Remove affected leaves; use row covers; apply spinosad if severe; encourage natural predators
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Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Spinach Substitute & Greens
CulinaryYoung leaves taste similar to spinach with a slightly nutty flavor and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked. The tender spring shoots are a delicacy, steamed or lightly sautéed like asparagus, with a delicate asparagus-like flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in European folk medicine to support digestive health and as a mild laxative. The plant contains saponins and other compounds with potential immune-supporting properties. [source]
Nutritious Perennial Crop
HouseholdAs a perennial vegetable, Good King Henry provides years of harvests from a single planting, reducing garden labor and input costs. Rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals including iron and magnesium. [source]
Permaculture & Edible Landscaping
CraftExcellent choice for permaculture gardens, food forests, and perennial polyculture systems due to its hardiness, self-seeding ability, and minimal maintenance needs once established. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeFlowering shoots attract bees and other pollinators; plants allowed to set seed provide food for birds and insects throughout the season and beyond. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 4-6 inches tall, about 70-90 days after planting. Pinch off individual leaves or cut entire stems 2 inches above soil level. In spring of subsequent years, harvest tender flower shoots when 4-6 inches tall by snapping them off at the base. Harvest in the morning for best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and sustained production. Do not strip the plant bare; always leave enough foliage for continued growth. The plant will regrow leaves multiple times per season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Good King Henry is named after Henry VIII of England, though the plant itself originated in Central Europe and was naturalized throughout England by the 16th century.
- 🌱 The plant is also called 'Fat Hen' or 'Lincolnshire Spinach' and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years as a food crop across Europe.
- 🌱 Good King Henry can self-seed prolifically, and in permaculture gardens it often naturalize and spread, becoming a quasi-wild perennial food source that requires minimal tending.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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