HABLITZIA SEEDS

Hablitzia tamnoides

Perennial edible vine from the Caucasus. Very hardy, and a backbone of contemporary Scandinavian permaculture. Vining plants can grow to 9' and produce lots of tender nutritious greens in very early spring and throughout the growing season.

This plant has become wildly popular in recent years, but it can be somewhat of an unwelcome beast in the kitchen garden. Give these vigorous climbers a wide berth, and if possible plant them away from the garden proper. Hablitzia will happily clambor over an old shed or privacy fence. Texture and flavor are best with some shade, so don't worry too much about exposure. Likes cool shaded roots, so don't hesitate to give it some friends. Self-sowing edible annuals that persist through summer are ideal. Borage and Jewels of Opar are good candidates.

These seeds germinate best with some cold. Sow where they are to grow in autumn or late winter. Seeds may also be sown into pots and placed in a sheltered location outdoors. Germination occurs in spring after a few spells of freezing and thawing. Growth is very slow in the first year, and should be left unharvested save for a nibble or two. In the second year, new shoots may be harvested and prepared like asparagus. Growth in the second and subsequent years is astoundingly fast, even in very early spring.

Tender leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. They do not develop bitterness, even late in the season. The texture of older growth in full sun isn't very pleasant raw, but is fine when cooked like spinach or chard.

Hardy to at least zone 3, although there are several anecdotal accounts of this species surviving even colder winters.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.