Good King Henry Seeds - Poor Man’s Asparagus - Perennial Spinach

Good King Henry Seeds (Poor Man’s Asparagus)

Good King Henry Seeds produce a traditional and highly versatile perennial vegetable valued for its edible shoots, tender leaves, and reliable yearly harvests. Often known as “Poor Man’s Asparagus,” this hardy heritage plant has been grown in cottage gardens for centuries and is prized for its excellent flavour and easy-growing nature.

The young spring shoots can be harvested and cooked similarly to asparagus, while the nutritious spinach-like leaves are perfect for steaming, soups, stir-fries, and salads. Once established, Good King Henry returns year after year, making it an excellent low-maintenance addition to kitchen gardens and permaculture growing spaces.

Suitable for allotments, raised beds, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly gardens, this unusual edible plant is ideal for gardeners looking to grow traditional perennial vegetables.

Key Features

Traditional perennial vegetable also known as Poor Man’s Asparagus.

Produces edible spring shoots and nutritious spinach-like leaves.

Hardy and reliable plant that returns year after year.

Young shoots can be cooked and eaten like asparagus.

Excellent for kitchen gardens, allotments, and permaculture planting.

Easy to grow and low maintenance once established.

Ideal for gardeners interested in heritage and unusual edible crops.

How to Grow Good King Henry Seeds

Sow Good King Henry Seeds indoors from late winter to spring or directly outdoors once soil temperatures begin to warm.

Sow seeds approximately 1 cm deep into moist, well-drained soil and keep lightly watered during germination, which may take around 14–28 days.

Grow in a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile soil enriched with organic matter for best results.

Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle, allowing space for mature plants to establish fully.

Harvest young shoots in spring once plants are established, followed by regular harvesting of tender leaves throughout the growing season.

Good King Henry Growing Tips

Allow plants time to establish fully before heavy harvesting begins.

Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter to encourage strong growth.

Water regularly during prolonged dry weather.

Harvest leaves young for the best flavour and tenderness.

Cut flowering stems back if growing mainly for leafy harvests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Good King Henry?
Good King Henry is a traditional perennial vegetable grown for its edible shoots and spinach-like leaves.

Why is it called Poor Man’s Asparagus?
The young spring shoots are harvested and cooked similarly to asparagus.

Is Good King Henry easy to grow?
Yes, it is a hardy and low-maintenance perennial once established.

Can Good King Henry be grown in containers?
It grows best in open ground or raised beds but can also be grown in large deep containers.

Perfect For

Kitchen gardens
Allotments
Permaculture planting
Cottage gardens
Perennial vegetable growing
Wildlife-friendly spaces
Heritage gardens
Unusual edible crops