Chaya (Tree Spinach)

Plant stem cuttings in well-drained to sandy soil in full sun; chaya is a vigorous, heat-tolerant tropical shrub native to the Yucatan that produces enormous crops of large, spinach-like leaves year-round in frost-free climates. The leaves are exceptionally nutritious — very high in protein, calcium, iron, and carotenoids — but must be cooked for at least 5 minutes before eating, as raw leaves contain hydrocyanic glycosides that dissipate completely with cooking. Once cooked, leaves taste like a mild, slightly earthy spinach and can substitute in any cooked greens recipe. Chaya is extraordinarily productive: a single mature bush can yield over 10 pounds of leaves per week in warm weather. It tolerates drought, poor soil, and neglect better than almost any other vegetable. Спосіб посадки: Розмноження діленням куща Відстань між рослинами: 36–60 дюймів Висота: 60–120 дюймів

Plant stem cuttings in well-drained to sandy soil in full sun; chaya is a vigorous, heat-tolerant tropical shrub native to the Yucatan that produces enormous crops of large, spinach-like leaves year-round in frost-free climates. The leaves are exceptionally nutritious — very high in protein, calcium, iron, and carotenoids — but must be cooked for at least 5 minutes before eating, as raw leaves contain hydrocyanic glycosides that dissipate completely with cooking. Once cooked, leaves taste like a mild, slightly earthy spinach and can substitute in any cooked greens recipe. Chaya is extraordinarily productive: a single mature bush can yield over 10 pounds of leaves per week in warm weather. It tolerates drought, poor soil, and neglect better than almost any other vegetable. Спосіб посадки: Розмноження діленням куща Відстань між рослинами: 36–60 дюймів Висота: 60–120 дюймів --- Час посадки: 2–6 тижнів spring Propagate by 12–18 inch stem cuttings stuck directly into moist soil in spring; unlike most cuttings, chaya cuttings establish easily even without rooting hormone. Plant in a site with full sun and well-drained soil after all frost danger has passed.