Caucasian Spinach, Hablitzia tamnoides

Native to the Caucasus, Hablitzia is a shade-loving perennial vegetable that tastes like a milder version of spinach. It grows best in shade or semi-shade, in moisture retentive but not boggy soil. Neutral or slightly alkaline soil is best. It can climb to 3.6 metres if allowed, and will need support such as bean poles, strong netting, a trellis or a shrub or tree, to which it will cling by twisting its leaf stems around. Very hardy perennial (down to -30C)

Use: In spring, leaf buds will appear; use these raw or cooked, saving the larger individual leaves for use in late spring to mid-summer. The young flower clusters are reputed to be very tasty too.

Please Note - During the winter months (typically from November to March), this plant will be supplied in a dormant state, ie; there will be no visible growth above soil level