Longevity spinach (Guynura procumbens) and Okinawan Spinach (Gynura crepioides) are tropical leafy greens that is native to Southeast Asia and is well-suited for growing in a food forest or as a survival crop in Florida. The plant has dark green leaves that are rich in vitamins and minerals and have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Okinawan spinach is differentiated by its beautiful purple underside of the leaves. It can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes and is a nutritious and tasty addition to any diet.
Here are some tips for planting and caring for longevity spinach in a food forest in Florida:
Choose a sunny location: Longevity spinach prefers full sun to partial shade and will grow best in a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Prepare the soil: Longevity spinach grows best in soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Before planting, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its fertility and structure. Longevity spinach also prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Plant the seeds or seedlings: Longevity spinach can be grown from seeds or from seedlings. To start the seeds, fill a seed tray or pots with seed starting mix and plant the seeds about 1 inch deep. Water the seeds well and place the tray or pots in a warm, sunny location. When the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, transplant them into the ground. Alternatively, you can plant the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost has passed. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
Water and fertilize regularly: Longevity spinach requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plants with an all-purpose fertilizer or compost every few months to provide additional nutrients.
Harvest and cook the spinach: Longevity spinach is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 4-6 inches long, but you can harvest any time really. To harvest the spinach, cut the leaves from the plant using a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached. The spinach can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches, or it can be cooked in soups, stir-fries, and other dishes. When eaten raw, it has a slight crunch which I prefer. It also has a slight carrot-like flavor on the back end. This one is my favorite leafy green to grow.
You can successfully grow longevity spinach in your food forest or as a survival crop in Florida. Every node on the stem has the ability to become a new plant. It readily roots and is very easy to propagate. The plant is a reliable and nutritious source of food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and is a valuable addition to any edible landscape.