Use and benefits of using Caucasian Mountain spinach in our gardens.

Good morning! I'd like to find out the benefits of using Caucasian Mountain and other types of perennial spinach in our gardens day in and day out. I for one would grow some for not just a permanent and daily food source in my gardens, but to create a vine hut or teepee out of it for shade or a resting place for all. Anybody used perennial vining spinach before? I've heard in Sweden, that Caucasian spinach has been a versatile food source for all. Could you all please show me some examples of using the spinach on a daily basis? Please shoot me back either on this board or at the Purple Moosage if you need me to explain in great depth about the use of the unique perennial spinach. Bye bye!

for the benefits of using Caucasian Mountain spinach the first thing that comes to mid is that it is a perennial vegetable.  Plant once and you are done.

Though this plant also has health benefits:

It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

This plant is good for vision, provides antioxidants, and helps with digestion and blood pressure control.

I've ordered the Hablitzia (Caucasus mountain spinach) breeding grex seed pack from the Experimental Farm Network, but have yet to receive my seeds, so I can only comment on what I've read, not yet having direct experience.

The first thing that comes to mind is that Caucasus mountain spinach is generally described as a shade-loving understory plant, so it may not be happy being in full direct sun all day, depending upon your climate, and how hot your summers are.

I'm in the foothills of the Appalachians, on the western edge of the Highland Ridge of the Cumberland Plateau, so our summers are very hot and humid, often topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

I'll only be planting it in shady spots, at least in the beginning, under large trees or along pathways in our woods behind the house.

Keep in mind also that in its first year, Hablitzia grows only a rosette of leaves, close to the ground, and doesn't start vining until its second season.

I love the idea of a vine covered shade teepee, but at least initially, I'll be planting mine with Scarlet Runner beans, as they may possibly be perennial in my Zone 7b garden, although that too remains to be seen.

Good luck with it, and keep us posted, as I am hoping for a longstanding relationship and ultimate success with Hablitzia.

My neighbors across the valley grow Hablitzia. They grow back stronger every year, and they love the plants and use the greens a lot, but it doesn’t volunteer from the seeds produced, unfortunately.