Okinawan Spinach

What you'll need:

Okinawan spinach cuttings or seeds (cuttings are easier for beginners)

A pot or garden space with well-draining soil

Some general-purpose fertilizer or compost

Watering can or spray bottle

When to start:

Okinawan spinach thrives in warm climates, so spring through early summer is the best time to plant. If you live in a cooler area, you can start indoors and move the plant outside once it warms up.

Choosing a spot:

This plant loves sunlight but also tolerates partial shade, making it perfect for areas that get filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade. It’s important not to put it in full, harsh afternoon sun as this may scorch the leaves.

If using cuttings: Cuttings are an easy way to propagate Okinawan spinach. Simply take a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches long from an existing plant, ensuring there are a few leaves on it.

If using cuttings:

1. Fill a small pot with moist soil.
2. Remove the lower leaves from your cutting, leaving just a couple of leaves at the top.
3. Plant the cutting into the soil, burying at least one or two leaf nodes (the points where leaves attach to the stem).
4. Gently press the soil around the cutting to secure it.
5. Water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
6. Place the pot in a shaded area until roots develop, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.

If using seeds:

1. Sprinkle seeds over prepared soil, covering them lightly with a thin layer of soil.
2. Water gently to avoid washing the seeds away.
3. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, partially shaded spot.
4. Seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.

Plant spacing: If planting directly in the garden, space each plant about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Watering:

• Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Think of it like a damp sponge — not dripping wet.
• In hot weather, you might need to water every day or every other day; in cooler weather, reduce watering.
• Morning is the best time to water, allowing any excess moisture on the leaves to dry during the day.

Feeding:

• Feed your Okinawan spinach every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize; too much can lead to excessive leaf growth with less flavor.

Sunlight:

• Okinawan spinach grows best with a mix of sun and shade. Aim for 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, ideally in the morning with some afternoon shade.
• If the leaves start looking pale or scorched, they’re getting too much direct sun.

Pruning:

• Regularly pinch back the growing tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
• This also helps control the size of the plant and promotes more leaf production.

Pest and Disease:

• Okinawan spinach is pretty hardy, but watch out for common garden pests like aphids or caterpillars.
• If you notice pests, you can spray the plant with a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap to keep them at bay.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting Okinawan spinach about 2-3 months after planting.
• The leaves are ready when they’re large enough to eat, typically around 2-4 inches long.
• Regular harvesting encourages new growth, so don’t be shy about picking leaves as needed.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip or pinch off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
• Always leave a few leaves on the plant so it can keep producing.

Storage:

• Freshly harvested leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• You can also wash, dry, and freeze the leaves for longer storage. They’re great for adding to soups or stir-fries later!

Q: Can I grow Okinawan spinach indoors?

A: Yes! As long as it gets enough light (a sunny windowsill or grow lights), Okinawan spinach can thrive indoors. Just make sure to water it properly and give it some space to grow.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying too soggy. Adjust your watering schedule if needed.

Q: Is Okinawan spinach frost-tolerant?

A: No, it’s a tropical plant and doesn’t handle frost well. If cold weather is coming, consider bringing potted plants indoors or covering outdoor plants with a frost cloth.

Q: How often should I prune my Okinawan spinach?

A: Prune whenever the plant starts looking leggy or too tall. Regular pruning every few weeks will help maintain a bushy shape and promote more leaf growth.

Q: Can I eat the purple side of the leaves?

A: Absolutely! Both the green and purple sides of the leaves are edible. The purple side adds a beautiful color contrast to dishes.