Good King Henry Seeds - Poor Man’s Asparagus -Blitum bonus-henricus

Good King Henry Seeds – Poor Man's Asparagus (Blitum bonus-henricus)

Good King Henry Seeds produce a traditional and highly versatile perennial vegetable valued for its edible shoots, tender leaves, and long-lasting harvests. Known botanically as Blitum bonus-henricus and commonly called Poor Man's Asparagus, this heritage plant has been cultivated in kitchen gardens for centuries for its exceptional flavour and dependable growth.

The young spring shoots can be harvested and cooked like 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 choice for gardeners looking to grow productive perennial vegetables with very little maintenance.

Easy to grow and highly rewarding, this unusual heritage vegetable thrives in kitchen gardens, allotments, raised beds, and permaculture planting schemes.

Key Features

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

Botanical name Blitum bonus-henricus.

Produces edible spring shoots and nutritious spinach-like leaves.

Young shoots can be harvested and cooked like asparagus.

Hardy, reliable plants that return year after year.

Excellent for kitchen gardens, allotments, and permaculture planting.

Easy to grow and suitable for beginner gardeners.

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, fertile, well-drained soil and keep lightly watered during germination, which usually takes around 14–28 days.

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

Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle, allowing plenty of room for mature plants to establish.

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

Good King Henry Growing Tips

Allow plants to establish fully before harvesting heavily.

Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter.

Water regularly during prolonged dry periods.

Harvest young leaves for the best flavour and tenderness.

Cut back flowering stems if growing primarily 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 in the same way as asparagus.

Is Good King Henry easy to grow?
Yes, it is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.

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

Raised beds

Perennial vegetables

Heritage gardens

Unusual edible crops

Beginner gardeners