Shungiku Seeds - Glebionis coronaria

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Shungiku is grown as a cool-season annual across all zones. Planting must be timed to avoid high heat, which causes the plant to bolt (flower prematurely) and makes the leaves bitter.

Best Performance - Thrives in cool but sunny conditions, with ideal daytime temperatures between 60-75 degrees F. These conditions produce the most tender and best-flavored leaves.

Northern Zones (2-6) - An excellent crop for spring and fall. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Plant successive batches every two weeks. Sow again in late summer for a fall harvest that can tolerate light frosts.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Best grown as a fall, winter, and very early spring crop. Plant seeds in the fall for a long harvest season through the mild winter. Spring plantings must be done early to ensure a harvest before the summer heat arrives.

Soil Temperature - Germinates best in cool soil, with an optimal range of 60-70 degrees F.

Growing Season - This is a very fast-growing green. It is ready for a "cut-and-come-again" style harvest in about 40-60 days.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Shungiku is a cool-weather crop. Direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. For a continuous supply, plant a new batch every 2-3 weeks until the weather begins to get hot. For a fall crop, sow seeds in late summer or early fall, about 8-10 weeks before your first expected hard frost.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates or as the season progresses, a spot with afternoon shade is beneficial to keep the soil cool and delay bolting. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

How to Plant:

Direct Sowing (Recommended): Prepare a smooth, weed-free seedbed. Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/4 inch deep. Plant seeds about 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.

Watering: Water the area gently after sowing and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days.

Thinning: Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 4-6 inches apart. The thinnings are tender and can be added to salads.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Provide regular and consistent moisture. Dry conditions can stress the plant, leading to bitterness and premature bolting.

Fertilizing: Shungiku is not a heavy feeder. Amending the soil with a layer of rich compost at planting time is usually sufficient for a healthy crop.

Harvesting: You can begin harvesting when the plants are about 6-8 inches tall. Use the "cut-and-come-again" method: snip off the tender young shoots and leaves, leaving the lower 2-3 inches of the plant intact. The plant will regrow for multiple harvests. For a milder flavor, harvest the leaves when they are young.

Bolting: When the plant sends up a flower stalk, the leaves will become more pungent and tough. At this stage, you can harvest the edible flowers for garnishes or let the plant go to seed to attract pollinators.