'Magenta Spreen' Tree spinach - Chenopodium giganteum

'Magenta Spreen' Tree spinach – spectacular large variety with magenta leaves. 

This variety is a fast-growing tree spinach with striking magenta shoot tips and a mild, spinach-like flavor. It grows upright, reaches impressive heights of up to 300 cm, and is perfectly suited for open ground, raised beds, and as a decorative vegetable plant. Provides shade, robust, open-pollinated, and easy to care for – ideal for self-sufficiency and organic cultivation.

  Origin & History

'Magenta Spreen' is an open-pollinated cultivar of tree spinach (Chenopodium giganteum), distinguished by its spectacular magenta shoot tips. This variety was developed through targeted selection within the species to enhance the striking pigmentation of the young leaves. The vivid coloration is a unique ornamental feature, making the plant highly valued in both modern cuisine and horticulture.

Tree spinach belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and originates from the Himalayan region of northern India and Nepal, where it has been cultivated for centuries as a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable. In the 19th century, the species was introduced to Europe, initially appreciated as an exotic ornamental plant. Its value as a fast-growing, resilient vegetable suitable for temperate climates was recognized only later.

The variety 'Magenta Spreen' emerged in the late 20th century from this tradition and became one of the most renowned forms of tree spinach due to its striking coloration. Today, it is considered an especially attractive type that combines culinary utility with aesthetic appeal. Thanks to its self-seeding habit, it easily reestablishes itself year after year and is celebrated as a symbol of the diversity of edible ornamental plants.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows upright and reaches a height of 150-300 cm. It develops large, triangular to arrow-shaped leaves, with young shoot tips showing an intense magenta coloration. Older leaves gradually turn green. Heat-tolerant and ideal as a shade provider – sensitive to frost.

Leaf details:

• Size: Large, approx. 10-20 cm long leaves

• Shape: Triangular to arrow-shaped, alternately arranged

• Color: Young leaves bright magenta, older leaves green with reddish-purple veins

• Texture: Tender, juicy

• Flavor: Mildly aromatic, spinach-like

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The young leaves and shoot tips are excellent for fresh use in salads, smoothies, and as a colorful garnish. Their mild, aromatic flavor and tender texture make them an appealing alternative to spinach. In addition, they can be steamed, blanched, or sautéed as a warm side dish, used in soups, stews, and curries, and add a distinctive touch to pestos or herb spreads. In modern cuisine, they are featured in bowls, wraps, and sandwiches, while traditionally valued as a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable in Asian cooking.

Thanks to its rapid growth and adaptability, 'Magenta Spreen' thrives reliably in open ground and raised beds. The variety matures early and produces a continuous supply of new leaves. It is easy to grow, flourishes in nutrient-rich, loose soils, and delivers stable yields even in summer heat. Particularly notable are its spectacular coloration, which adds a decorative highlight to the vegetable garden, and its impressive height, providing shade for smaller plants. Moreover, it shows strong heat tolerance, can be harvested multiple times, and often reestablishes itself year after year through self-seeding. It is also well-suited for baby leaf production.

Compared to other spinach alternatives, 'Magenta Spreen' is especially fast-growing and ornamental – ideal for anyone seeking open-pollinated leafy greens with striking appearance and versatile use during midsummer.