OLD MAN SALTBUSH! BUSH TUCKER – AN EDIBLE HEDGE FOR HUMANS WHO EAT THE LEAVES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS, AN ANIMAL FODDER, WINDBREAK, EROSION CONTROL AND TOLERATES SALINITY, SAND AND DROUGHT!

Old Man Saltbush is a fast-growing shrub commonly used today as a livestock grazing plant. Traditionally, its seeds were used as a food source by the Aboriginal people. The leaves are also edible, salty in flavour and rich in protein, antioxidants and minerals.

Old Man Saltbush leaves may be treated like a leafy vegetable, enjoyed blanched, sautéed, wrapped around meat or fish, used in salads, or for stuffing poultry. Alternatively, they may be dried and used as a herb or sprinkle.

Harvest Saltbush leaves by simply plucking or cutting, taking only as much as you need. The plant may be left to grow, ensuring a year-round supply.

Though Saltbush tolerates drought, salinity and sandy soil in the wild, young plants will struggle to establish in conditions that are too dry and barren. Leaves are grey-green, small (2-3cm) and irregularly shaped, but will grow larger and more vegetable-like in hothouse conditions.

This plant is a woody shrub that can reach up to 3m in height. It may be grown in the ground or kept smaller in pots, if harvested frequently. With regular pruning, it makes a great gap filler or edible hedge.

THE SEEDS LOOK LIKE LITTLE LEAVES! EASY TO SEE AND HANDLE.

Grow Notes
Prefers full sun in well-draining soil.

Drought, frost, and salt tolerant.

Sow
Soak seed in warm water for 24hrs to speed up germination.

Sow direct or raise seedlings in early Spring or Autumn, by planting seeds at a depth of 2mm. Water with a fine mist spray to avoid seed disturbance.

Place the pots in a warm but shaded position.

Keep soil moist, not wet.

Germination
14-28 days at 23-25°C

Maturity
4 years.

Picture by Ben Stone, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons