Good King Henry Seeds
Good King Henry, also known as
Goosefoot, English Mercury, Poor-man's Asparagus, is native to much of central and southern Europe.
Good King Henry has been grown as a vegetable in cottage gardens for hundreds of years. The new shoots of
Good King Henry can be cut as they appear and cooked like asparagus. The succulent triangular leaves may be harvested a few at a time until the end of August and cooked like spinach.
Good King Henry is said to have even more nutrition than spinach. It is rich in iron, calcium, vitamin B, and vitamin C!
A poultice of
Good King Henry leaves has been used to cleanse and heal chronic sores, boils and abscesses. The seed is a gentle laxative that is suitable for children. The
Good King Henry plant can be used for indigestion and as a diuretic. Used in a veterinary cough remedy for sheep.
Good King Henry should be regularly weeded and well watered. Typically, very little is produced in the first season.
Good King Henry does not respond well to transplantation. The foliage can be cut in autumn, and a mulch, such well-rotted compost can be applied to the plot.
