Good King Henry Seeds

Good King Henry – A Forgotten Garden Treasure

Rediscover one of the most beloved perennial vegetables of the cottage garden. Chenopodium bonus-henricus, known as Good King Henry, was a staple of European kitchen gardens for centuries before modern vegetables pushed it aside. Once established, this hardy perennial returns year after year with minimal care — a true gift to the patient gardener.

Pkt Size/Approx. Seeds
0.3 mg  / 100+ Seeds

Why Grow Good King Henry?

• Perennial powerhouse — plant once, harvest for years
• Multi-use plant — young shoots eaten like asparagus, leaves used like spinach, flower buds like broccoli
• Nutrient-dense — rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C
• Low-maintenance — thrives in partial shade and tolerates poor soils
• Open-pollinated & heirloom — save your own seed season after season

Growing Notes

Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow in early spring. Seeds benefit from cold stratification (2–4 weeks in the refrigerator) to improve germination. Transplant to a permanent bed in full sun to partial shade. Plants are slow to establish in year one — harvest lightly and allow the plant to build root strength. By year two and beyond, expect generous harvests of tender spring shoots and nutritious leaves throughout the season.

Days to maturity: Perennial — best harvests from year 2 onward
Plant spacing: 18–24 inches
Hardiness: Zones 3–9