You will receive 3 Organic, wide leaf maple variant, cuttings 6-8 inches long.
The maple leaf variant is said to be slightly hardier than the thin leaf. This variety also flowers less and later and produces more leaves. Chaya spinach tree is a very attractive, easily grown, leafy shrub that reaches a height of 6-8 feet and resembles a cassava plant or healthy hibiscus, with 6- to 8-inch leaves borne on slender stems. Growing tree spinach shrubs bloom often with both male and female flowers that are tiny and white resulting in 1-inch seed pods. Zone 8 and above.
CARE
Growing tree spinach is cold sensitive, so it should be started at the onset of the warm season. Chaya spinach tree is propagated via woody stem cuttings that are 6-10 inches long in well draining soil. It takes some time for the chaya to establish but after the first year, the plants may be pruned and harvesting commenced. Sixty percent or more of the foliage may be removed with no damage to the plant, and in fact, will promote bushier, healthy new growth. For the home gardener, one plant is sufficient to provide plenty of chaya. Spinach tree care for the home gardener is fairly simple. Chaya spinach is an understory species in forests and as such is ideal grown in semi-shade under fruit trees or palms. Water the chaya canes thoroughly before transplanting. The spiraling roots of the starts should be trimmed so they are growing downward and the planting hole needs to be deep enough so they hang vertically. Add compost or green manure to the planting hole to add nutrients prior to planting the chaya spinach tree canes. Pack the soil firmly around the chaya starts and mulch around the transplant to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
HOW TO USE
Chaya spinach tree leaves and shoots are harvested young and then used much like leaf spinach. However, unlike leaf spinach that can be eaten raw, chaya spinach tree leaves and shoots contain toxic hydrocyanic glycosides. These toxins are rendered inactive after cooking for one minute; therefore, chaya must always be cooked. Sauté, add to soups and stews, can, freeze, dry or even steep as tea. Chaya spinach is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals. Chaya has more iron than leaf spinach and high amounts of fiber, phosphorus and calcium. It is considered by many to be one of the most nutritious of all the green leafy vegetables.
At our family owned and operated permaculture farm WILDWOOD EDIBLES we grow ALL our plants without any chemicals. It is very important to us, as we feel this is a dangerous and totally unnecessary addition to any food supply. The products listed for sale in our Etsy store are a small fraction of the plants we are growing here in central Florida. If you are interested in any other permaculture based or perennial plants, please contact us. If we receive enough interest we may add them to our Etsy store.
Thank you from our family at Wildwood Edibles,
Christine, Wil, Maya and Greyson