Free tracked UK delivery on plant orders • DEFRA registered grower no. 153094
The Forgotten GardenThe Forgotten GardenRare plants with a story
Good King Henry

Perennial Vegetables

Good King Henry

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

A once-familiar cottage-garden vegetable with spinach-like leaves and spring shoots sometimes called “poor man’s asparagus”.

PerennialHistoric spinachEdible shoots
Awaiting restock

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

This plant is currently awaiting restock.
LifecyclePerennial (dies back in winter and regrows each spring)
PositionFull sun to partial shade
SoilFertile, humus-rich soil that stays reasonably moist. It is happier in a permanent bed than a dry annual vegetable row.
Garden sizeGrows 45–90 cm tall, spreading around 30 cm wide
ContainerBest in medium containers (minimum 25–30 cm deep), but thrives even better in open ground
Historic erasMedieval

Why it belongs in a forgotten garden

Good King Henry — the story

Why grow it?

A genuine cottage-garden curiosity: a long-lived leafy vegetable whose young shoots, leaves and flower buds can all be used. It rewards patience more than speed.

History & context

Once a staple across Europe, Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus) was a plant for everyone. Also called “poor man’s asparagus,” its tender shoots and rich, spinach-like leaves made it a go-to green for both humble cottage gardens and elaborate castle kitchens. It’s a versatile and reliable plant, loved for its simple, hearty nature and its ability to provide two different harvests.

Explore its place in Medieval garden history.

Growing guide

How to grow Good King Henry

Soil & position

Fertile, humus-rich soil that stays reasonably moist. It is happier in a permanent bed than a dry annual vegetable row.

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Water

Keep young plants consistently moist while establishing. Mature crowns cope better but appreciate water in dry spring weather.

Propagation

Usually from seed. Germination can be slow and erratic; autumn sowing or a cold period can help. Established crowns can also be divided.

Sowing referenceSow Oct–Nov, germinates springDepth: 1 cm • Cold treatment: Yes

Ongoing care

Do not overharvest small first-year plants. Mulch established crowns, remove old flowering stems and divide congested plants after several years.

From garden to kitchen

Harvesting & eating it

When to harvest

Young shoots are taken in spring; leaves follow through spring and early summer. Flower buds can be used before opening.

Take a modest first harvest from established plants in spring. Young leaves are used as greens and early shoots can be cut when tender; give young plants time to establish before heavy picking.

What is edible?

Young shoots, leaves and unopened flower buds.

Flavour & cooking

This dual-purpose plant offers both young shoots that can be cooked like asparagus and rich, earthy leaves perfect for soups, stews, or sautéed dishes. The seeds can even be ground into a rustic flour.

Food value

A leafy green with fibre and micronutrients typical of chenopod greens. It also contains oxalates, so it is better treated as one varied vegetable among many rather than eaten in very large quantities.

Traditional medicinal uses, where mentioned in the historical material, are included as history rather than medical advice.

Kitchen history

Good King Henry shoots with lemon butter

The young spring shoots are sometimes compared with asparagus, which suggests the simplest preparation.

Good King Henry has long been known as “poor man’s asparagus”; leaves can also be cooked like spinach.

You’ll need

  • 200 g young Good King Henry shoots
  • 20 g butter
  • ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp finely grated hard cheese, optional
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Harvest only tender young shoots from established plants.
  2. Steam for 4–6 minutes until tender.
  3. Melt the butter and add lemon zest, a squeeze of juice and nutmeg.
  4. Toss the shoots in the butter and season.
  5. Add a little grated cheese if you want a richer finish.

How tough is it?

Resilience, pests & garden value

Resilience

A truly steadfast plant, Good King Henry is highly resistant to common pests and returns reliably each spring with very little fuss. It’s a dependable perennial that thrives even better in open ground, making it a low-maintenance, long-lasting addition to any garden.

Pests & practical problems

Slugs and snails are the main nuisance on new spring growth. Once crowns are mature it is generally hardy and persistent.

Wildlife value

Flowers are modest but can be visited by small insects; the perennial crown also adds permanent structure to the garden.

Growing in a container

Best in medium containers (minimum 25–30 cm deep), but thrives even better in open ground

Container plants generally need more frequent watering and feeding than the same plant in open ground.

Ready to grow it?

Good King Henry

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

Awaiting restock

If this caught your eye…

Keep exploring

Plants with a similar use, growing style or piece of history.

Babington’s Leek
Awaiting restock

Babington’s Leek

Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii

PerennialMild leek-garlicSelf propagating

A perennial leek relative that returns year after year and even produces little bulbils at the top of its flower stem.

Explore this plant
Bistort
Awaiting restock

Bistort

Persicaria bistorta

PerennialSpring greensTraditional crop

A hardy perennial once gathered for traditional spring greens and northern seasonal dishes.

Explore this plant
Caucasian Spinach
Awaiting restock

Caucasian Spinach

Hablitzia tamnoides

PerennialShade lovingClimbing edible

A rare perennial climbing spinach that actually likes shade and can produce edible shoots and leaves for decades.

Explore this plant