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Fig-leaved Goosefoot

Amaranthaceae

Fig-leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium ficifolium)

Chenopodium ficifolium

Easy ☀ïļ Bright indirect ðŸū Pet safe

A hardy, easy-to-grow annual that prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Tolerates short dry spells but grows best with moderate soil moisture. Requires little to no fertilization and grows quickly during the summer season.

💧 Watering

Every 4 days

☀ïļ Light

Bright indirect

ðŸŒĄïļ Temperature

-10° - 35°C

ðŸ’Ļ Humidity

30% - 70%

Categories

What is Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

Fig-leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium ficifolium) is a easy-care plant from the Amaranthaceae family. Chenopodium ficifolium, commonly known as fig-leaved goosefoot, is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Amaranthaceae, native to Asia (from the Irano-Turanian region to Korea and northern Indo-China) and naturalized as a weed across Europe and North America. It grows in nitrogen-rich, disturbed...

Fig-leaved Goosefoot grows up to 80cm, spread of 40cm, watering every 4 days, -10°C – 35°C, 30–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.

Unlike many tropical plants, Fig-leaved Goosefoot tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Fig-leaved Goosefoot is safe to keep around pets.

How to Care for Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

TLDR: Fig-leaved Goosefoot needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between -10-35°C with 30-70% humidity.

💧

How Often Should You Water Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

Water moderately, keeping soil lightly moist; avoid waterlogging as the plant is sensitive to excess moisture.

☀ïļ

How Much Light Does Fig-leaved Goosefoot Need?

Needs full sun exposure; cannot grow well in shade.

ðŸŠī

What Is the Best Soil for Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

Prefers nitrogen-rich, well-draining soil with neutral to mildly alkaline pH.

🏚

What Pot Should You Use for Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

Not applicable (open ground cultivation)

What Is Fig-leaved Goosefoot and Where Does It Come From?

Chenopodium ficifolium, commonly known as fig-leaved goosefoot, is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Amaranthaceae, native to Asia (from the Irano-Turanian region to Korea and northern Indo-China) and naturalized as a weed across Europe and North America. It grows in nitrogen-rich, disturbed soils such as riverbanks and agricultural fields, reaching up to 80 cm tall with erect, branched stems. Its leaves resemble those of a fig tree, giving the plant its common name.

How to Propagate Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

ðŸŒą

Direct sowing

Seeds need light to germinate well; do not bury them too deep.

  1. 1
    Sow seeds directly into soil after the last frost
  2. 2
    Keep soil lightly moist until germination
  3. 3
    Seeds germinate best when exposed to light
  4. 4
    Thin seedlings once they develop a few true leaves

Materials needed:

SeedsFertile soilWatering can
⏱ïļ Time: 1-2 weeks 📊 Success rate: high 🗓ïļ Best season: Spring

How Big Does Fig-leaved Goosefoot Grow?

TLDR: Fig-leaved Goosefoot can reach up to 80cm tall with Fast growth rate.

📏

Max height

80cm

↔ïļ

Spread

40cm

📈

Growth rate

Fast

🍃

Foliage

Deciduous

Plant Uses

ðŸ―ïļ

Edible

Can be consumed

💊

Medicinal Uses

  • Traditionally used in small doses as an emetic and vermifuge, due to ascaridole content in leaves and seeds
ðŸ―ïļ

Culinary Uses

  • Cooked leaves and flower buds eaten like spinach
  • Roasted seeds used as a condiment

Is your plant showing symptoms?

Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:

What Diseases Commonly Affect Fig-leaved Goosefoot?

TLDR: Fig-leaved Goosefoot is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.

Fun Facts

ðŸ’Ą

The name "ficifolium" comes from the resemblance of its leaves to fig tree leaves

ðŸ’Ą

It contains ascaridole, a compound also found in other medicinal Chenopodium species

Frequently asked questions

Is Chenopodium ficifolium edible?
Yes, young leaves and flower buds can be cooked and eaten like spinach; seeds can be roasted.
Does it need a lot of water?
No, it is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers lightly moist soil.
Can it grow in shade?
No, it requires full sun to thrive.

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Sources & References

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