Sissoo Spinach

Overview

Sissoo spinach forms a thick, low mound of crinkly green leaves. It is one of the easiest perennial greens to grow, roots almost anywhere, and fills gaps fast, especially in partial shade.

History

Sissoo comes from Brazil, where it is known as sissoo or Brazilian spinach. It has become a popular edible ground cover in tropical gardens worldwide, including Hawaiʻi.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Grows best with regular moisture and partial shade; tolerates full sun if mulched and watered.
• Handles a wide range of soils.

Planting and propagation

• Push cuttings 4–6 inches long into moist mulch or soil, 8–12 inches apart.
• They root within a couple of weeks.
• Divide large clumps to start new plantings.

Care and maintenance

• Keep moist while it establishes.
• Trim it back regularly to keep it dense and lush; drop the trimmings as mulch.

Role in the guild

Sissoo makes a living, edible border around the edges of the starter guild, helping hold back grass. It pairs well with sweet potato, which covers the open interior.

Harvest

Snip leaves and tips by the handful whenever you need them. Frequent picking keeps the plant compact.

Uses

• Food: crunchy and mild raw in salads, or lightly cooked. Like spinach, it contains oxalates, so cooking and a varied diet are sensible.
• Soil: dense living mulch and weed suppression.

Problems to watch

• Slugs and snails in wet weather. Wash greens well; slugs and snails in Hawaiʻi can carry rat lungworm.
• Gets thin and leggy in deep shade.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.