Rumex patientia 'German Spinach'

Polygonaceae: an herbaceous perennial to 1.5 m. found on waste ground and river banks. The flowers are small and greenish, blooming from June-July. The leaves are deep green, large and elongated, with thick stalks. Naturalized in a few places in Britain. Native to Europe.

USES:

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Eaten like spinach or made into a delicious puree, they are often mixed with sorrel in order to add flavour to them. They make an excellent vegetable.

The juices, and an infusion of the root, has been used as a poultice and salve in the treatment of various skin problems. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of constipation. The leaves have been rubbed in the mouth to treat sore throats.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds in spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. An important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly.

HARVESTED: 2021*

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS