Okinawa Spinach
Another wonderful species in the Gynura genus, Okinawa Spinach comes from Indonesia and produces gorgeous edible leaves with the most stunning purple undersides! Truly an ornamental edible and a great plant for adding a quick burst of color, flavor and nutrients to a meal. Similar to Longevity Spinach, Okinawa spinach is a tropical groundcover that performs very well as a house plant or planted in the veggie garden and dug up to bring inside in fall. It’s traditionally been used in salads, stir-fries, soups and stews.
Latin Name: Gynura bicolor
Site and Soil: This green grows well in sun or shade but semi-shade is preferred
Hardiness: This plant can tolerate a light frost and grow back from the roots but should be grown indoors in areas that receive freezing temperatures
Bearing Age: Immediately
Size at Maturity: 1 foot tall x 2-4 feet wide
Pests & Diseases: Longevity Spinach does not appear to be susceptible to any pests or diseases in our climate
USDA Zone: 9-11
Site and Soil: This green grows well in sun or shade but semi-shade is preferred
Hardiness: This plant can tolerate a light frost and grow back from the roots but should be grown indoors in areas that receive freezing temperatures
Bearing Age: Immediately
Size at Maturity: 1 foot tall x 2-4 feet wide
Pests & Diseases: Longevity Spinach does not appear to be susceptible to any pests or diseases in our climate
USDA Zone: 9-11