Species Smooth Goosefoot
light-green fruits with green leaves and green-beige stems

Smooth Goosefoot

Chenopodium subglabrum

Smooth Goosefoot, also known as Chenopodium subglabrum, is a Mediterranean species of culinary herb. It has soft, shiny leaves and produces tiny fruits that turn black when ripe. Its leaves are edible when young and can be cooked as a vegetable. In the wild, it is mostly found in dry, rocky habitats. When cultivated, it can be used to add flavor to salads or to add nutrition to soups. Smooth Goosefoot can also be dried for storage and used as an herbal tea. Given its adaptability and easy care, it's an ideal choice for herb gardens.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Red|Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Smooth Goosefoot should be watered sparingly. Depending on the season, it can withstand periods of drought and may require no supplemental water. In the summer months, it should be watered deeply to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged--approximately 1-2 inches of water every 10-14 days. During the winter, it may only need to be watered if the soil is particularly dry, and about a half-inch of water should be sufficient. If temperatures are expected to drop to freezing, water should not be provided as it can result in root damage.

sunlight

Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) thrives best in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will produce more flowers and have more robust growth when in full sun for 6 to 8 hours each day. To ensure it has enough sunlight, plant it in an area that gets direct sunlight in the morning before noon, ideally at least 6 hours of sunlight during the growing season.

pruning

Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. Pruning should remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or blocking light from reaching the interior of the plant. Additionally, prune off any stems that are excessively long and stems that have a poor form.

Season

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

Chenopodium subglabrum typically starts flowering in July.