Species Zsack's Goosefoot
light-green fruits, green leaves and lime stems

Zsack's Goosefoot

Chenopodium berlandieri var. zschackei

Zsack's Goosefoot, officially known by its scientific name, Chenopodium berlandieri var. zschackei, is a species of marsh-dwelling plant native to the southeastern United States. It is an annual, pubescent herb that grows up to 5 feet in height and width, producing dense stands, with alternate, lance-shaped leaves that have a gently toothed margin. It is a welcomed food source for wildlife, including birds and amphibians. Additionally, its high protein content makes it an ideal livestock forage. Its edible seeds are sought-after for human use, too, thanks to their nutty taste. Popular in gardens, many consider this showy species an attractive addition to any landscape.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Zsack's Goosefoot plants should be watered deeply once per week. Make sure to soak the soil thoroughly and water until it begins to drip out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to mostly dry out between waterings. During periods of drought, an extra watering may be needed. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so use caution and ensure soil is not constantly too wet. Avoid overhead irrigation.

sunlight

Zsack's Goosefoot thrives in full sun, typically receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It grows best in areas with sandy soil and requires occasional watering, with a preference for warm, humid climates. It is recommended to water sparingly in the summer months and in the colder months when the plant becomes dormant or dries out. Sunlight should typically be applied before midday and for the late afternoon period, while morning light is less intense and ideally should be limited. Zsack's Goosefoot does not tolerate shade and should be exposed to full sunlight for optimal growth and health.

pruning

Zsack's Goosefoot benefits from regular pruning to keep it from becoming overgrown and unruly. Pruning should be done when the plant is actively growing in late spring or early summer. Pruning should begin shortly after new growth has started to appear in late spring. Remove up to 1-third of new shoots and/or flowers or seed heads. For pruning, use sharp shears or scissors to cut individual stems at the base. Keep the pruning cuts crisp and even. If necessary, modest shaping can also be done to keep the plant tidy. After pruning, the plant can be fertilized, but do not apply too much fertilizer as this could cause the plant to become leggy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Zsack's Goosefoot typically begins in July and continues through September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Zsack's Goosefoot typically begins in July and continues through September.