Description

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Katuk, Star Gooseberry, Sweetleaf, or Tropical Asparagus, is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub native to India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows up to 8 feet tall with dark green leaves growing along its long, pendant branches. White male and red female flowers bloom in the leaf axils during the summer and fall, forming purple fruits with small black seeds. All parts of this beautiful shrub are edible and cultivated as a high-yield crop.

Katuk is mainly used as a tropical vegetable for its leaves that are high in protein and have a sweet, nutty flavor. They can be eaten raw or cooked, in salads, soups, steamed, or stir-fries. The young shoots are harvested and steamed as tropical asparagus, and the flowers and fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. In Indonesia, the leaves are believed to improve the flow of breast milk for breastfeeding mothers.

Katuk will grow in partial to full shade in damp, well-draining soil. Regular pruning is recommended to encourage tender, new shoots that can be harvested. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Plant Type:
Perennial Herb

Harvest Season:
Year-Round, Prune Often

Mature Size:
6-7 ft. tall

Can be pruned and maintained at smaller sizes

Soil & Moisture:
Likes moist, well-drained soil

Light Requirements:
Full Shade, Part Shade

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:
Very Fast, Fast

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

For growers in northern zones, Katuk can be grown as an annual or easily overwintered indoors in pots

Propagation:
Our Katuk is grown from micro propagation or cutting, capable to harvest within the season season.

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.