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Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)
Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)is a perennial lefty vegetable plant that grows rapidly in warm climates. It grows to about 2 feet in height, but can spread rapidly as a grown cover. It thrives in full sun and also grows well in partial shade. It will die back in freezing temperatures, but will grow back in the spring. The plant also time of year, and the orange blooms attract Monarch butterflies. Okinawa Spinach is related to Longevity spinach; however, the leaves of Okinawa have a purple underside. Both the leaves and young stems can be eaten raw or cooked and provide an excellent source of nutrition. Cooked leaves and stems make a great addition to stews or soups. During the growing season, prune and eat daily. Okinawa Spinach will regenerate quickly and can be harvested for years.
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Thompson Seedless Grape
Thompson Seedless Grape When you think of classic seedless grapes, Thompson grapes are definitely one of the most popular varieties out there. They were first developed in the Middle East and introduced to California during the 1870s. There were also European varieties that originated from the cultivar Vitis vinifera. Thompson seedless grapes are now the most common grapes grown in California. They are also the most used grape to produce raisins in the world. They make an excellent ornamental and grow well against walls and fences. Thompson grapes are self fertile, and they do best high fertile soil. Full sun is also best for this plant. They should also be provided support such as a trellis or arbor.
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Bay Leaf Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Sweet Bay Tree
Bay Leaf Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Sweet Bay TreeSweet Laurel Bay Leaf is a useful addition in a herb garden and makes a great privacy hedge plant. It is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean. The leaves are aromatic and are frequently used in soups and pasta. Sweet Bay is fairly easy to grow and does best in full sun to partial shade. Well draining soil is best for this plant, and it needs to be protected form freezing weather. Sweet Bay makes a great landscape plant, because it can pruned into a topiary and also used as a decorative hedge.
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Growing Pineapple Guava Feijoa sellowiana Plants
Growing Pineapple Guava Feijoa sellowiana Plants Pineapple Guava is a subtropical evergreen shrub that is native to South America. Both the fruit and flowers are edible. The tropical fruit is delicious as is the white and red. flowers. The fruit usually ripens in late fall. This guava plant also attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. Pineapple Guava is easy to maintain and grow. It can be grown as a hedge and also in a container. If allowed to grow naturally, it can grow to approximately 15 feet tall. It does best in well draining soil and responds well to frequent pruning. You should fertilize in spring and make sure the plant is well watered during the heat of summer.
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Blue Java Ice Cream Banana
Blue Java Ice Cream BananaBlue Java ice cream banana plants are native to Hawaii and other tropical areas, but are gaining popularity everywhere. As the name implies, these bananas truly do taste like sweet vanilla ice cream. They make a great addition to any food forest. We have them everywhere around our permaculture garden. The beautiful thing about growing banana plants is that they produce several pups a year. Banana plants are truly amazing, especially when they taste like ice cream. How to Grow an Ice Cream Banana Banana plants are heavy feeders and require frequent watering. They do best on a routine watering schedule. When the weather is warm, water every other day. However, make sire that water doesn’t pool up at the base of the plant. Ice cream banana plants require well draining soil. We fertilize with worm castings and kelp, but they respond well to many types of fertilizer. With a little care, you will be eating home grown ice cream bananas harvested from your garden.
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Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit
Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit is known for being one of the sweetest tasting cultivars of dragon fruit. It has yellow skin and white interior flesh. The fruit is oval shaped and heavily thorned; however, the thorns typically fall off as the fruit ripens. Palora is self fertile and is a slow grower compared to some of the other varieties of dragon fruit. Palora also known as Ecuadorian dragon fruit is much larger than the other variety known as Colombiana. It gets its name from the city known as Palorain Ecuador where it is brown commercially. Growing Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit Dragon fruit grows best in warm climates. Temperatures should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Palora should always be protected form freezing weather. They can be brown in containers and do best in well draining soil, such as cactus mix. Also avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
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Benefits of Growing Moringa Trees
Moringa Tree Benefits Moringa Trees, which are also known as 'Ben Oil Trees', are cultivated all over the world and are highly valued for their edible parts that are extremely high in nutrients and minerals, as well as their beautiful ornamental features. Moringa leaves, pods and seeds have more vitamin C than four oranges combined as well as high amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and more. The leaves can be eaten fresh or dried for teas and powder. Nutritional Value of Moringa They're also high in antioxidants, which is great for your overall health. Instead of running to the store for an expensive bottle of multivitamins, simply pick a few leaves for a snack filled with nourishment. By cooking the leaves in boiling water, or eating them fresh you'll be giving your immune system a boost. The seedpods are often cooked similar to the way green beans are prepared and enjoyed while the seeds are best when baked. Growing Moringa Trees This is a very fast growing tree. Our 3 ft. trees can turn 8 ft. in a matter of weeks during the growing season. They like to be pruned and thrive in containers. Once planted, keep soil moist until established. We have had great success with growing Moringa in our climate. We harvest from our trees daily!
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Longevity Spinach - Edible Perennial Permaculture Plant
Longevity Spinach Its scientific name is gynura procumbens, but it is also known as “longevity spinach” or “cholesterol spinach.” The plant is native to southeast Asia, and is widely known for its nutritional and medicinal values. Proponents claim it fights a variety of ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer. However, I feel it is worth growing just to eat. This plant is quite hardy and prolific. Once established, it will grow almost as fast as you can pick it. Uses of Longevity Spinach Uses of this spinach are varied, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. I have even boiled a whole potful with salt and butter added, and found it similar to eating southern collard greens. Some people think the taste of longevity spinach is strong, but I found I got used to it. I actually prefer it to iceberg lettuce now. I use it on almost every day on sandwiches, in salads, and mixed in with stir fried vegetables. You can also dry the leaves and process them not nutritious powder.
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