Strawberry Spinach is indeed heat tolerant, making it a great choice for gardeners who live in areas with hot summers. Unlike regular spinach, which tends to bolt and become bitter in high temperatures, Strawberry Spinach thrives and continues to produce throughout the heat of summer.
I have personally grown Strawberry Spinach in my garden, and I have been pleasantly surprised by its ability to withstand the summer heat. In fact, it has become one of my go-to leafy greens for summer salads and smoothies.
One of the reasons why Strawberry Spinach is heat tolerant is because it is a cool-season plant. It prefers to grow in cooler temperatures, which means it can handle light frosts and cooler spring and fall temperatures without issue. However, unlike traditional spinach, it doesn’t immediately bolt when exposed to heat. Instead, it continues to grow and produce leaves, even in hot weather.
The taste of Strawberry Spinach is another reason to love this heat-tolerant plant. The ripe berries have a subtly sweet flavor with fruity and floral undertones. The leaves, which can be used as a spinach substitute, have a mild and slightly tart taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
To ensure successful growth of Strawberry Spinach in hot climates, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Provide shade: If you live in an area with scorching summer temperatures, consider providing some shade for your Strawberry Spinach plants. This can be achieved by planting them in a spot that receives partial shade during the hottest part of the day or by using shade cloth to protect them from direct sunlight.
2. Mulch and water: Like most plants, Strawberry Spinach benefits from a layer of organic mulch around its base. This helps to retain moisture in the soil and keep the roots cool. Additionally, regular watering is essential to keep the plants hydrated in hot weather. Aim for deep, thorough watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
3. Regular harvesting: Harvesting the leaves and berries regularly can help prevent the plants from bolting prematurely. By removing the mature leaves and berries, you encourage the plant to continue producing new growth. It’s important to note that the berries are not true strawberries but rather small, red, and edible seed pods.
Strawberry Spinach is a heat-tolerant plant that can withstand hot summer temperatures much better than traditional spinach. Its ability to continue growing and producing in the heat, along with its delicious flavor, make it a fantastic addition to any garden. So, if you’re looking for a leafy green that can handle the heat, give Strawberry Spinach a try!
