Lagos Spinach (Celosia argentea)
Celosia argentea, or Lagos spinach may be the “prettiest of all vegetable crops,” but like many of the plants cultivated for food in parts of tropical Africa, it’s more than just a pretty face. Celosia argentea is used as an ornamental in gardens worldwide, but it is not often planted for food outside of West Africa. It is an important source of spinach in Nigeria and Benin. The nutritious composition of this African spinach, and its nature to flourish in malnourished soils make it a good contender for food forests.
Lagos spinach grows naturally in the humid lowlands of Africa, where rainfall and sunshine are abundant. Celosia argentea is a fairly easy-to-grow plant that will grow easily, despite its glossy, frivolous-looking flowers that will bloom in the late summer.
Plant Type:
Tropical Annual Herb
Harvest Season:
Harvest leaves, young stems, and young flower stalks 4 to 5 weeks after sowing
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, moist, well-draining soil high in organic matter
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 10-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Lagos Spinach is grown from seed, capable of harvest within one growing season.
