Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa)

Chaya
Cnidoscolus chayamansa

Chaya growing in the greenhouse

As a newcomer to Tree Spinach, and withouit a source of practical information on it in my area, I wonder if you can tell me something of the size of the plant when you can start picking the leaves. I was late in planting the seeds and with the abundant rain and little sunshine they have been slow in their growth.

Any other information on this great sounding addition to our choice of vegetables will be gtreatly appreciated.

I am not sure how long your growing season is or if you could overwinter it there but mine grows for several years and comesback each year I grow mine from cuttings that break on a joint . Mine are now about 8 feet tall I very seldom see flowers or seeds.
[email protected] Zone 9b in west Central Florida U. S. A. Ed

You can eat this Chaya if properly cooked to remove the hydrocyanic acid. See http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv045 for info on safe handling and preparing.