Okinawa Spinach PLANT – Gynura bicolor – Heirloom & Untreated – Perennial Spinach – Colourful, Heat-Loving & Productive
Add a splash of colour and a reliable source of leafy greens to your garden with this heirloom, untreated Okinawa Spinach plant (Gynura bicolor), also known as Hong Tsoi, Kinjiso, or Velvet Plant. This stunning perennial is prized for its striking two-toned foliage – deep green on top with a vivid purple underside – and its ability to thrive in the heat and humidity of an Australian summer when other leafy greens have long since bolted.
Unlike true spinach, which struggles in warm weather, Okinawa Spinach is a vigorous, low-growing shrub that produces an abundance of tender leaves and shoot tips year-round in frost-free climates. It grows quickly, requires very little maintenance, and can be grown in the ground as an edible groundcover or in pots on a balcony or patio. It also makes a beautiful ornamental plant, with its colourful leaves and occasional small orange flowers.
This is a true cut-and-come-again perennial – harvest regularly, and the plant will keep producing fresh growth for years.
Uses:
Fresh Salads: The young, tender leaves and shoot tips can be eaten raw in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Stir-Fries & Cooking: Use the leaves and shoots in stir-fries, soups, stews, and quiches. Add them at the very end of cooking – they need only a moment to wilt.
Smoothies & Juices: Blend fresh leaves into green smoothies for a nutrient boost.
Edible Groundcover: Grows low and spreads to form a dense, productive groundcover that also suppresses weeds.
Do you need more space to grow food? Check out our fantastic extra-large grow bags here.
Nutrients & Health Benefits:
Okinawa Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds. Research has highlighted its impressive profile, including high levels of vitamin C, crude protein, iron, carotenoids, calcium, and essential amino acids. It is also a rich source of anthocyanins – the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries.
Key nutrients and benefits include:
Rich in Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids including anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin, along with phenolic acids. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory: Studies suggest the vegetable may provide anti-inflammatory protection, supporting its traditional use for inflammation.
High in Iron & Calcium: An excellent plant source of iron for healthy blood and calcium for strong bones.
Beta-Carotene & Vitamin C: Supports immune function, skin health, and eye health.
Protein & Fibre: Provides plant-based protein and dietary fibre to support digestion and satiety.
Traditional Use: In East and Southeast Asian traditional medicine, Gynura bicolor has been used as a functional food and medicinal herb for a range of ailments.
Note: Always do your own research before using any plant medicinally. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
Growing Conditions & Planting Tips:
Okinawa Spinach is remarkably easy to grow and far more heat-tolerant than traditional spinach. Follow these guidelines for success.
Climate: Perennial in tropical and subtropical regions (QLD, NT, northern NSW). It is frost-sensitive but can be grown as a warm-season annual in cooler areas, or in a pot moved indoors over winter. It thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Position: Prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight. It grows rapidly in 4–8 hours of indirect sunlight. Protect from harsh afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves. In cooler climates, it will tolerate more sun.
Soil: Grows in a variety of soils, from sandy to heavy clay, but performs best in rich, well-draining, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter. It is sensitive to waterlogged soils and root rot, so good drainage is essential.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Water regularly but do not let the plant sit in soggy soil.
Fertilising: Generally does not require heavy feeding. If harvesting frequently, a light application of a high-nitrogen organic fertiliser or compost once a month will encourage fresh growth.
Spacing: Space plants about 30–50 cm apart. Cuttings can be planted closer (about 30 cm) to establish a solid groundcover quickly.
Harvesting: Harvest young leaves and shoot tips at any time using the cut-and-come-again method. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to grow more leaves and stems and keeps it bushy and productive.
Container Growing: Grows very well in pots at least 10–15 cm deep. Use a quality potting mix with good drainage. Its shallow root system makes it an excellent choice for container gardening.
Care After Receiving Your Plant:
Your Okinawa Spinach plant has been grown with love. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
Unpack immediately – Remove the plant from packaging. Check the soil; if dry, give it a light drink.
Rest & recover – Place the plant in a sheltered, shaded spot out of strong wind for 2–3 days to reduce transplant shock.
Slow sun introduction – This plant prefers partial shade. If you plan to move it to a brighter position, do so gradually over 5–7 days to avoid leaf burn.
Transplant – Re-pot into a larger container or plant directly into the ground when roots fill the current pot. Space multiple plants about 30–50 cm apart.
Planting depth – Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
Water in well – Give it a deep, thorough watering straight after planting. Thereafter, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch lightly – A thin layer of sugar cane or straw mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the stem.
No fertiliser for 2 weeks – Let the plant settle before feeding.
What You Will Receive:
One young, healthy Okinawa Spinach plant (Gynura bicolor) in a small nursery pot, grown heirloom, untreated, and with love in my permaculture food forest (Pacific Haven, QLD).
Shipping & Important Notes:
Dispatch: We usually send plants on Mondays to ensure they arrive fresh and before the weekend.
Shipping locations: Sending within Australia only, excluding Norfolk Island, NT, SA, TAS, and WA.
Pickup: Available by appointment from Pacific Haven, QLD.
Please Note: Do your own research before trying any new foods. Also refer to our full disclaimer in the footer of this page.
