Good King Henry Seeds – Perennial Spinach & Poor Man’s Asparagus

Good King Henry (Poor Man’s Asparagus) – Seeds

Good King Henry, also known as Lincolnshire Spinach, is a hardy, traditional perennial vegetable valued for both its nutritious leaves and its edible spring shoots. The dark green leaves can be harvested and cooked like spinach, while the tender young shoots and flower spikes are steamed and eaten like “poor man’s asparagus.”

Once established, Good King Henry returns year after year, making it an excellent choice for permanent vegetable beds, cottage gardens, and heritage plots. Although slow to establish, it is long-lived and highly rewarding, providing reliable harvests with minimal ongoing effort.

This pack contains approximately 750 high-quality seeds, ideal for gardeners, allotments, and growers looking to establish multiple plants or a dedicated perennial vegetable area.

Key Features

• Traditional perennial vegetable with historic use

• Leaves harvested as a spinach substitute

• Young shoots eaten like asparagus

• Hardy and long-lived once established

• Ideal for permanent beds and cottage gardens

• Low-maintenance after establishment

• Seed count: approximately 750 seeds per pack

How to Grow Good King Henry

Good King Henry can be sown indoors or directly outdoors.

Sow Indoors: February to April
Sow Outdoors: March to May
Sowing Depth: 1–2 cm
Germination: 14–21 days (can be slow)

Sow seeds into fertile, well-drained soil in a position with full sun or partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist during germination.

Thin or transplant seedlings to a final spacing of 40–50 cm between plants. Growth may be slow in the first year while plants establish strong root systems.

Harvest leaves from established plants as needed, and cut young shoots in spring when tender.

Tip: Patience is key — plants may take a full season to establish, but will reward you with many years of harvests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Good King Henry really perennial?
Yes. Once established, it returns every year and can crop for many seasons.

What parts of the plant are edible?
Both the leaves and the young spring shoots are edible.

When can I start harvesting?
Light leaf harvesting can begin once plants are established. Shoots are harvested in spring.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, although it requires patience in the first year. After establishment it is very easy to maintain.

Does it replace spinach completely?
It works well as a spinach alternative, especially for gardeners reducing annual sowing.

Perfect For

• Perennial vegetable gardens

• Cottage and heritage planting schemes

• Growers reducing annual re-sowing

• Spinach alternatives

• Gardeners interested in traditional food crops