Longevity Spinach

What You'll Need:

Longevity spinach cuttings or seeds (you can find them at local nurseries or online)

A pot with good drainage (about 8-10 inches deep) or a patch in your garden

Rich, well-draining soil (mix regular potting soil with some compost for extra nutrients)

Watering can or spray bottle

• Sunny to partially shaded spot

When to Start:

Longevity spinach is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates. It grows best when temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C). If you live in a colder area, you can start indoors and move it outside once the weather warms up.

Choosing Your Spot:

This plant loves sunlight but can tolerate partial shade too. Ideally, find a place where it gets morning sun and some afternoon shade. If you’re planting indoors, choose a sunny windowsill or use grow lights if natural light is limited.

If Using Cuttings:

1. Take a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches long from an existing plant (make sure it has a few leaves).
2. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving just the top ones.
3. Place the cutting in water or directly into moist soil.
4. If using water, wait for roots to sprout (usually takes 1-2 weeks), then transplant into soil.
5. If planting directly into soil, bury the lower part of the stem and gently press the soil around it.
6. Water lightly but make sure the soil stays moist.

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill your pot or seed tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top and cover them with a thin layer of soil (just enough to barely cover the seeds).
3. Water gently so the soil stays moist but not soggy.
4. Keep in a warm, bright spot (but avoid direct scorching sunlight).
5. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks.

Plant Spacing:

• If planting multiple plants, space them about 12 inches apart to give each one room to spread out.
• In pots, stick to one plant per container unless it's quite large.

Watering:

• Water regularly but don’t overdo it—your goal is to keep the soil moist, not soaking wet.
• Check by sticking your finger into the soil; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Morning watering is ideal because it allows excess moisture to evaporate during the day.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• Longevity spinach prefers warmth and can tolerate partial shade. If you notice the leaves wilting or turning yellow, it might be getting too much harsh sunlight.
• If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring potted plants indoors or protect outdoor plants with a frost cloth.

Feeding Your Plant:

• Feed your plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer (something labeled as “all-purpose” works fine).
• Alternatively, sprinkle some compost around the base of the plant every month to provide slow-release nutrients.

Pruning:

• Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
• Pinch off flowers if they appear, as this will help the plant focus its energy on leaf production instead of flowering.

When to Harvest:

• You can start harvesting leaves once the plant is about 6-8 inches tall, which usually takes around 6-8 weeks after planting.
• The more you harvest, the bushier and healthier the plant will become!

How to Harvest:

• Simply snip or pinch off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
• Always harvest from the top down, taking only a few leaves at a time to avoid stressing the plant.
• Use clean scissors or your fingers to avoid damaging the plant.

Storing Your Harvest:

• Fresh leaves can be used immediately in salads, stir-fries, or soups.
• Store harvested leaves in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.
• For longer storage, you can blanch the leaves and freeze them.

Q: Why are my leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure your pot has good drainage holes.

Q: Can I grow longevity spinach indoors?

A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is perfect, or you can use grow lights if needed.

Q: Is it okay to let the plant flower?

A: While flowering won't harm the plant, it’s better to remove flowers if you want to maximize leaf production. Flowering diverts energy away from growing more leaves.

Q: How fast does longevity spinach grow?

A: This plant grows fairly quickly, especially in warm conditions. With proper care, you’ll see noticeable growth within a few weeks, and you can start harvesting leaves in about 6-8 weeks.

Q: Can I propagate new plants easily?

A: Definitely! Longevity spinach is easy to propagate from cuttings. Just snip off a healthy stem, place it in water or soil, and watch it root in no time.