Hi everyone! I recently got some unusual edible plant seeds from a seed swap hosted by OAEC (The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center). I did some research about these plants before sowing the seeds, and want to share that information with you today. I love discovering new edible plants, especially perennial vegetables, that are different from your typical tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, ect that you usually find in a home garden. I get to grow plants with unique flavors that I've never experienced before, and most of the time these plants are much more resilient than the typical annual veggies that are grown.
Shungiku
- a chopsuey green
- shoots and stems can be eaten
- the taste is a mix between celery and carrots
- the flowers can be used in place of chrysanthemum for tea
- plant seeds 1/8" deep, 2" apart, and 10" between the rows
Sea Beet
- a perennial vegetable
- the leaves are like spinach
- can sow the seeds in spring our autumn
- plant seeds 1' apart, 1-2 cm deep
- winter hardy, grow in full sun
Lovage
- a perennial vegetable
- tastes like celery
- will grow 4-6 feet high
- plants seeds 1/4" deep, space the plants 2-3' apart
- grow in full sun to part shade, grows well in large containers
Wild Cabbage
- a short-lived perennial (3-5 years)
- partial shade okay
- winter hardy
- plants seeds 1/4" deep, space the plants 2' apart
Sorghum Vulgare
- an annual, tall grass that grows 15' high
- it's a good temporary hedge plant for the summer
- plant in well-worked soil, full sun, and a little water
- little maintenance needed
- grow in a block or clumps
Quillaquina
- a Mexican herb
- grows 3ft high, plant 1' apart
- tastes like arugula and cilantro, used in salsas
- heat/sun-loving, summer annual
Nettle-leaved Mullein
- a perennial, tall stalk with flowers
- grows 3 ft high
- likes full sun
- a Native American herb that is good for lungs
Amaranth Kilimanjaro Park
- grows to 6' tall
- a grain, similar to quinoa
- an annual plant that likes full sun
- plant 7-10" apart
- plant radish or carrots underneath to maximize growing space