How to grow Good King Henry in Australia
A tough perennial leaf crop that takes sun or part shade in most soils, preferring ground enriched with compost. Water during dry spells to keep the leaves tender, and topdress with compost each year.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 40 cm
- Time to harvest: 90 days
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to August | Extended cool season suits this perennial. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | February to September | Perennial that thrives in Melbourne cold. Extended season. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to August | |
| Perth & WA | March to August | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Sow Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Hardy perennial green that loves the cold. |
| Canberra & ACT | February to September | Perennial that thrives in Canberra cold. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Cool-climate perennial. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Cool-climate perennial. |
Varieties
- Good King Henry
Companion planting
Good companions
- Fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Snip young leaves and shoots once they are a good handful in size. Take outer growth and leave the centre, and it will resprout for repeat picking through the season.
Storage
Use fresh within 2 to 3 days. Best harvested as needed from the garden.