Good King Henry
chenopodium bonus-henricus
Also known as: ["Linum usitatissimum","Plantago major"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to Europe, valued for its edible leaves and shoots.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","culinary herb","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Chenopodium |
| Botanical Name: | Chenopodium bonus-henricus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial shade with protection from intense afternoon sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; lightly prune after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate airflow to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid dense planting to prevent shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use organic compost as a slow-release alternative; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- For seeds: sow 1/4 inch deep.
- Keep moist.
- For cuttings: take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for cuttings; full sun for seedlings once established.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or seed-starting medium; can also be propagated directly in garden soil.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; optional for stem cuttings to encourage rooting.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting bottle, heat mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; harden off seedlings before transplanting; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage bushiness; trim leggy stems to promote fuller growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water at base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower/seed pod abortion in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch around the base to insulate roots; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGood King Henry is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects associated with ingestion by felines in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGood King Henry is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicChenopodium bonus-henricus, commonly known as Good King Henry, is generally considered non-toxic to humans when consumed in moderation. It is a traditional leaf vegetable that has been used for culinary purposes for centuries.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Good King Henry safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Can the leaves be eaten raw?
A: The leaves can be eaten raw but are often blanched or cooked to reduce bitterness.
Q: Does Good King Henry attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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