Organic 'Huauzontle Red Aztec Spinach'
Organic 'Huauzontle Red Aztec Spinach' (Chenopodium berlandieri) from Gaia Seeds, an ancient Aztec crop that is nutritious, versatile and vibrant
Aztec red spinach, or huauzontle , is an ancient pre-Columbian plant that was once a staple in the Aztec diet. Its vibrant red leaves offer a mild flavor and can be eaten like spinach, while its broccoli-like flower buds are delicious steamed . The sweet and nutritious seeds , richer than quinoa, can be cooked as a grain or ground into flour , making huauzontle a complete edible plant. Very easy to grow, hardy, and resilient, it brings as much nutritional value as ornamental beauty to the vegetable garden.
Spread/Habit : Upright, bushy
Plant height : 60 to 120 cm
Quantity per packet : 60 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Ancient Aztec cultivation, edible red leaves, broccoli-like buds, sweet and nutritious seeds, very versatile
Leaf color : Bright red
Texture/flavor : Soft leaves, broccoli-flavored buds, sweet seeds
Cold tolerance : Down to -10°C
Resistant to deer (undocumented → leave blank)
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors in early spring after the last frosts, or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before planting .
Bury the seeds 6–12 mm (1/4 to 1/2″) deep in well-drained , moderately fertile soil.
Place in partial sun / partial shade (level 2) with light watering (level 1).
Germination in 5 to 15 days between 10 and 30 °C , optimum 18–24 °C .
Space plants 15 cm apart and rows 60 to 90 cm apart.
Harvesting and preservation
• Leaves : Harvest young for a milder taste.
• Flowering buds : Pick them just before flowering and steam them.
• Seeds : Allow the panicles to dry completely before harvesting, then store them in an airtight container in a dry place.
Usage ideas
• In sautéed red spinach or in salads
• Steamed into tender broccoli-like buds
• In Aztec-style flatbreads or tamales
• A cereal similar to quinoa
• As flour for bread, tortillas or porridge
• As a nutritious ornamental plant
Aztec spinach 'Huauzontle' is an ancient, colourful, nutritious and multifunctional plant, ideal for curious gardeners and lovers of traditional varieties from the Americas.
