Species Leafy Goosefoot
red fruits with burgundy-green leaves on pink-red stems

Leafy Goosefoot

Blitum virgatum

Leafy Goosefoot (Blitum virgatum) is a prostrate annual herb, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its small pinkish-white flowers with four petals, and its distinctive leaves that have a sickle-shaped lower edge. The leaves are divided into three pointed divisions and are topped off with a long, heart-shaped stem. Its fruits are tiny, yellowish-brown seeds that are embraced by a small pointed cucumber-like calyx. Its membranous foliage is light green in color. Blooming best in sunny areas, this plant is tolerant of most soils but grows best in moist, well-drained ones. In the right conditions, Leafy Goosefoot makes a great addition to any garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Leafy Goosefoot (Blitum virgatum) should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out. During the season, it should be watered once a week with 1 to 2 inches of water. In the winter, the plant should only need watering every 2 to 3 weeks. In periods of extreme heat or drought, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.

sunlight

Leafy Goosefoot (Blitum virgatum) plants require a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and health. Depending on the region, plants may receive any amount of sunlight from morning until evening, so its preferable to position the plants in a location that receives full or partial sunlight throughout the day. Adequate sunlight is especially important for plants grown outdoors, as this species performs best in cooler climates. Indoor growing may require the occasional use of a grow light or sunlamp in order to ensure the plant gets adequate light.

pruning

Leafy Goosefoot should be pruned in early spring, before or shortly after new growth appears. Pruning should concentrate on removing dead, diseased, or damaged stems, as well as any straggly or overgrown stems. Older branches should be cut back to their base or to healthy buds. If pruning to control the size or shape of the plant, cuts should be made just above a healthy stem or leaf node. Prune sparingly and only as much as necessary.