Katuk grown in a Florida Friendly Food Forest in Oviedo, FL

Katuk is our favorite perennial (edible) green to grow in a Central Florida Food Forest. Being vegetarian, we appreciate that its nutritional content is nearly 50% protein. It is also high in fiber, vitamins A, B and C and minerals like iron, calcium and potassium. It is sometimes also called “Sweet Leaf” and by no mistake because it is also DELICIOUS raw or cooked!

Plant Care:

Katuk grows best in a sheltered location like under a shade tree’s canopy or nestled in with other plants. Heavy mulching prevents excessive water needs and also helps to feed the soil. Katuk likes a part shade, part sun location with morning sun preferred.

Harvesting the leaves:

Harvesting Katuk is the easiest! Simply pinch one end of the stem and pull back along the stem opposite leaf growth to pull off many leaves at once. I harvest a weeks worth of Katuk using this method in a matter of a minute or two.

Propagating for new plants:

Katuk grows very easily from cuttings. Cut at least a 6 inch piece, strip the leaves and place the bottom of the cutting in a small cup of water or a pot of moist soil. Keep in a warm, humid environment and the plant will grow roots within days. You can grow a ton of food within months from ONE Katuk cutting! No wonder its our first Plant Spotlight!

What about you? Have you tried Katuk before? Would you like a cutting to grow your own? Let us know!

Send a message to One Earth