Hablitzia / Caucasian Spinach
Hablitzia tamnoides
Crop overview
- Crop group
- Perennial Leafy Green
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Growth habit
- Cold-Hardy Deciduous Herbaceous Perennial Climber Producing Edible Young Shoots And Heart-Shaped Leaves
Covers Hablitzia tamnoides grown vertically for repeated harvests of young shoots and leaves. It dies back in winter and re-emerges from the crown.
Variety examples
Species form
Quick facts
- Plant spacing
- 45 cm – 75 cm
- Row spacing
- 90 cm
- Support height
- 1.80 m – 3 m
- Support strength
- Medium
- Support types
- Trellis, Wigwam, Pergola, Garden Arch, Small Tree Support
- Training method
- Twining
- Vertical suitability
- Recommended
- Sun requirement
- Partial Sun
- Days to harvest
- 365–730 days
Support & training
Training requirements
Guide emerging spring shoots onto a trellis, wigwam or pergola before they tangle with neighbouring plants.
Pruning requirements
No formal pruning is generally required. Cut dead top growth after dormancy and harvest young shoots selectively in spring.
Growing setup guidance
Container
Minimum size: 40 L
Plants per container: 1
Use a large permanent container with moisture-retentive but well-drained mix and room for the perennial crown. Protect the pot from severe root freezing.
Raised bed
A deep fertile bed in sun or partial shade suits this long-lived crop. Keep winter drainage good.
In-ground
Grow in moist but well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Give the perennial crown a permanent position.
Planting, pollination & harvest
Sowing / transplanting
Start from seed or a nursery plant. Establish the crown in its permanent position and expect much stronger harvests after the plant has had time to mature.
Pollination
Pollination is not required for leaf and shoot harvest.
Warnings
Young spring growth can be attractive to slugs and snails. Avoid winter waterlogging around the perennial crown.
General notes
A useful perennial vertical green for cool climates. RHS lists a mature height around 2.5-4 m and recommends moist but well-drained soil with support.
Climate guidance
Climate suitability: Recommended
Planting season
Plant in early spring
Northern hemisphere months
Mar-Apr
Southern hemisphere months
Sep-Oct
Wet / dry season
Mulch and irrigate during prolonged summer heat.
Soil temperature
Establish while spring soil is cool.
Frost sensitivity
Winter dormancy is normal.
Heat sensitivity
Afternoon shade can help in very hot inland summers.
Humidity / disease
Avoid stagnant wet soil.
Sowing guidance
Site where the crown can remain undisturbed for years.
Notes
Cold winters suit its perennial growth cycle.