Okinawan Spinach (Gynura crepioides)

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
12 Reviews
Regular price $19.95
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Nutrient-Packed Perennial Green

Common Names: Okinawan Spinach, Hong Tsoi, Longevity Spinach
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Southeast Asia

Okinawan Spinach (Gynura crepioides) is a hardy, fast-growing perennial leafy green, prized for its nutritional benefits and striking appearance. This plant features vibrant green leaves with purple undersides, adding both color and flavor to salads, stir-fries, and smoothies. Known as a "longevity spinach" due to its nutrient density, Okinawan Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a popular addition to health-conscious diets. The plant is easy to grow, thriving in warm climates and requiring minimal care, making it ideal for home gardens and permaculture landscapes.

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Foliage: Okinawan Spinach has attractive, thick, slightly crinkled green leaves with deep purple undersides. The leaves can be harvested year-round and are tender enough to be eaten raw or cooked. Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, Okinawan Spinach is a superfood that supports immune health and general wellness.

Growth Habit: This low-growing, spreading plant can reach 1-2 feet in height and spread up to 3 feet wide, forming a dense ground cover. It thrives in warm, humid environments, making it a great choice for tropical and subtropical gardens.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Okinawan Spinach is commonly used in a variety of dishes, both raw and cooked. The tender leaves add a mild, slightly nutty flavor to salads, while their vibrant color makes them a beautiful garnish. The leaves can also be steamed, stir-fried, or blended into smoothies for an extra nutrient boost. In traditional medicine, Okinawan Spinach is believed to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity.

Plant Type:
Perennial or Annual Evergreen Herb

Harvest Season:
Year-round

Longevity and Okinawa Spinach area perennial to zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual and harvested in northern climates all summer long!

Mature Size:
Up to 1-3 ft tall with a spread of up to 3-4 ft wide

Soil & Moisture:
Prefers well-draining soil with ample water and nutrients. Drought tolerant once established.

Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Will grow in full shade but will be slightly leggy.

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:
Fast

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

Propagation:
Grown from cutting and will grow large enough for heavy production and harvest capability within one season.

See More:
Sow Exotic carries many different varieties of tropical perennial greens including
Okinawa SpinachLongevity SpinachSissoo Spinach and annuals like Lagos Spinach and Malabar Spinach.

Grow them all together in our Summer Spin-Off: Tropical Greens Bundle.

Our Plantable Coconut Coir & Peat Pots are 100% biodegradable, compostable and can be planted directly in the soil! Our Nursery & Citrapots are recyclable and reusable!
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 12 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 12 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
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12 reviews
  • A
    Aaron
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Awesome

    All the plants showed up healthy and packaged well. Very happy with my purchase. I ordered both Okinawan spinach varieties, Chaya, and Cassava. Thanks a lot. My first order was a Rollinia seedling that was basically DOA but this time everything is great.

  • PT
    Pat T.
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7 months ago
    Love this spinach!

    Been growing it now for 2 yrs. Did well through our 9b zone winter. I cut it back early this spring and gave cuttings to neighbors.

    This is how it’s been growing so far! Very tasty in salads and in cooking. Very crunchy texture in salads - delicious.

  • EI Profile picture for Erica Irving C.google logo
    Erica Irving C.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 1-5
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Growing well

    So far the spinach is growing well. Able to harvest leaves for raw salads and warm dishes. Family didn’t notice the swap in spinach and is enjoying the taste.

  • M
    Marykay
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    5 Stars

    Sowexotic packaging and instructions makes me have a green thumb,, I’m well on my way to a food Forrest,,SOWEXCITED 😊

  • AR
    Ann R.
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? Yes
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Okinawa spinach

    Thank you so so much for the information on Okinawa spinach. I have a plant that I got from my brother but didn’t know to much about it now that I know I appreciate it very much.

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