Lambsquarters Seeds - Magenta Spreen, ORGANIC

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 120

Packet Weight: 2g

Planting Season: Spring or Fall

Sowing Method: Direct Seed

Seed Depth: 1/16"

Direct Seed Spacing: 1"

Soil Temperature: 45-65 ℉

Days to Sprout: 5-17

Mature Spacing: 2-4"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Moderately Tolerant

Days to Harvest: 45

When to Seed Greens

Greens come in different varieties running in color, texture, and shape of leaves. They come from all different parts of the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Southeastern US - that being said, they all grow quite similarly. With a few exceptions like molokhia, amaranth, and summer spinach, most other varieties of greens thrive in cooler temperatures. Aim to start these seeds about four weeks before the last frost. Fall planting can typically tolerate some frost, which can actually make the greens sweeter. 

Where to Plant Greens

Most greens grow best in moist, rich soil with full sun to partial shade. Prepare for planting by spreading a three inch thick layer of compost over your planting area. 

Growing Greens

Sow seeds at the depth and direct seed spacing indicated on the seed packet of your variety. As they germinate and grow, thin your seedlings to the appropriate mature spacing distance - and be sure to eat your thinnings! Ensure your greens get at least an inch of water per week. Keeping your greens well-watered is going to be especially important as temperatures heat up so that you can extend your harvest as long as you can. 

Harvesting Greens

Greens can be eaten at any growing stage. For cut and come again harvesting, pull a few leaves at a time from the outside of your plants and all the main plants to continue to grow. When the plants are mature, you can cut the whole plant at the base with a sharp knife. If you leave the growing point intact, your greens will often resprout. For spring harvests, be sure to pick what you can before the heat makes your greens bitter and/or causes them to bolt.

Lambsquarters, Chenopodium gigantium
Pollination, insect; Life Cycle, annual; Isolation Distance, 1/2 mile

For seed production select strong, true-to-type plants. Foliage will lighten or yellow when seeds begin to mature. Harvest the seed by shaking them into a paper bag. Alternatively harvest the entire plant when most seeds are mature. Seeds are easily threshed by hand. Clean by winnowing. Place clean, dry seeds in air-tight container and store in a cool, dry location.