Fat-Tomato-Good-King-Henry.jpg
Fat Tomato Garden Seed Packets And Envelope (Copy)
Fat-Tomato-Good-King-Henry.jpg
Fat Tomato Garden Seed Packets And Envelope (Copy)

Good King Henry Seeds

€4.00

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Once a familiar sight in Irish cottage gardens, Good King Henry — also known as Lincolnshire spinach — is now a largely forgotten perennial vegetable. It is quietly returning among gardeners and cooks, who are rediscovering traditional edible plants full of flavour and nutrition.

It produces tender spring shoots, spinach-like leaves, and small flower buds — often referred to as “poor man’s asparagus.” The flavour is rich and earthy, suited to simple cooking that lets the plant speak for itself. We love it gently cooked in butter or extra virgin olive oil.

Slow to establish but deeply rewarding, this is a plant for those interested in growing food with history, flavour, and a real sense of place.

Average number of seeds: 25

Open-pollinated, chemical-free Irish garden seeds. Grown and saved in Wexford, Ireland. We only grow and save seeds from plants that were started from certified organic seeds.

Each seed packet includes growing tips and cooking suggestions inside.

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Once a familiar sight in Irish cottage gardens, Good King Henry — also known as Lincolnshire spinach — is now a largely forgotten perennial vegetable. It is quietly returning among gardeners and cooks, who are rediscovering traditional edible plants full of flavour and nutrition.

It produces tender spring shoots, spinach-like leaves, and small flower buds — often referred to as “poor man’s asparagus.” The flavour is rich and earthy, suited to simple cooking that lets the plant speak for itself. We love it gently cooked in butter or extra virgin olive oil.

Slow to establish but deeply rewarding, this is a plant for those interested in growing food with history, flavour, and a real sense of place.

Average number of seeds: 25

Open-pollinated, chemical-free Irish garden seeds. Grown and saved in Wexford, Ireland. We only grow and save seeds from plants that were started from certified organic seeds.

Each seed packet includes growing tips and cooking suggestions inside.

  • Good King Henry is a perennial vegetable best suited to a permanent position in the garden. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot with rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds into pots or modules using peat-free compost and keep moist. Germination can be slow and uneven. Grow plants on before planting out to allow strong roots to develop.

    Sow: March to May

    Plant out: Late summer or autumn

    Harvesting time: From year two onwards

    Check out our Grow & Cook section for more growing tips.

  • Good King Henry is a versatile kitchen garden plant with a rich, earthy flavour. Young leaves can be cooked like spinach — simply wilted with butter, garlic, or olive oil. The tender spring shoots can be blanched and served like asparagus, while the unopened buds can be steamed or sautéed like broccoli.

    It works beautifully in soups, tarts, and simple seasonal dishes, pairing well with eggs, cream, and fresh herbs.

    For the best flavour and texture, harvest growth young and tender.

    Check out our Grow & Cook section for more cooking ideas.

  • Check our frequently asked questions page for answers to all those questions you might have.

    If you have a specific question, feel free to reach out to us at hello@fattomato.ie