Growing Hydroponic Magenta Spreen: Colorful Lambsquarters Greens
The short answer
Hydroponic magenta spreen is Chenopodium giganteum ‘Magentaspreen’, a tall goosefoot related to lambsquarters. Young leaves and center rosettes open bright magenta, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. In water you can grow it for baby greens and pick often, which holds it compact and slows seeding.
What is magenta spreen?
Magenta spreen is also called tree spinach. The RHS lists it as Chenopodium giganteum ‘Magentaspreen’ and says the leaves taste like spinach and chard. Left alone it can reach 1.5 to 2.5 meters and may need staking. It takes full sun or partial shade.
It shares the genus Chenopodium with lambsquarters, Chenopodium album. NC State Extension identifies lambsquarters as a fast growing annual in the amaranth family with edible young leaves and shoots. NC State also notes that lambsquarters sets heavy seed, a reason to pick magenta spreen often.
How do you start it in a hydroponic system?
Sow seed in rockwool, foam or coir plugs, as Virginia Cooperative Extension describes for deep water culture. Feed a diluted solution after the seedlings appear. Move each seedling into a net cup when roots reach the bottom of the plug.
The University of Minnesota Extension advises net pots that sit only partly in the solution, with an air stone if plants have roots of different lengths. Indoors you’ll need a grow light, since Minnesota notes supplemental lighting is almost always needed for indoor hydroponics. Check pH and EC two to three times a week. Virginia Extension gives pH 5.5 to 6.2 for most crops. See caring for your hydroponic system for routine upkeep.
When should you harvest it for baby greens?
Start picking once the plants have a few sets of leaves and the tips show their magenta color. The RHS advises picking leaves as you need them, which gives tender leaves and stops the plant from running to seed. Take the tips and young leaves first, since those carry the color. Older leaves go green. A growing schedule for your hydroponics lets you sow fresh trays before the first plants grow tall.
Magenta spreen growing basics
| Stage | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Sow in plugs | Diluted feed after germination |
| Move | Net cups, roots partly submerged | Add an air stone |
| Light | Run a grow light | Indoor hydroponics almost always needs it |
| Pick | Take tips and young leaves often | Young leaves open magenta |
| Manage | Pick or stake tall plants | Can reach 1.5 to 2.5 m |
Sources: Royal Horticultural Society, Virginia Cooperative Extension, University of Minnesota Extension.
How to: step by step
- Sow magenta spreen seed in plugs under light.
- Feed a diluted solution after germination.
- Move seedlings into net cups when roots show.
- Aerate the solution and check pH and EC a few times a week.
- Pick tips and young leaves often for baby greens.
- Stake any plant you let grow tall.
Troubleshooting
Plants shoot up fast: picking is too light. Pick tips more often.
Flower heads form: the plant is running to seed. Pick harder and start a new tray.
Tall plants lean: the stems lack support, so add a stake.
Color for the salad bowl
Magenta spreen brings color to a home grow. Compare root media in hydroponic in different mediums. Kind Seed Co shares more hydroponic greens notes on the blog.
Sources
- Chenopodium giganteum ‘Magentaspreen’, Royal Horticultural Society
- Chenopodium album (lambsquarters), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Hydroponic production of edible crops: deep water culture (DWC) systems (SPES 464), Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Is magenta spreen the same as lambsquarters?
Not quite. Magenta spreen is Chenopodium giganteum, and lambsquarters is Chenopodium album. They share a genus, and both are grown or foraged for young leaves.
Why are the tips pink?
The RHS notes that young leaves and center rosettes of this variety open bright magenta. Older leaves turn green, so the color shows most on fresh growth.
Does magenta spreen need full sun?
The RHS lists full sun or partial shade. Indoors, a grow light is needed, since supplemental lighting is almost always required for indoor hydroponics.
How tall should it get before cutting?
For baby greens, start picking once plants carry a few sets of leaves. Left alone it can reach 1.5 to 2.5 m, so regular picking holds it small.
How do you stop it running to seed?
Pick leaves and tips often. The RHS advises regular picking to give tender leaves and stop the plant running to seed.
