African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) Gynandropsis gynandra
African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) (Gynandropsis gynandra) is an annual vegetable in the Cleomaceae family, native to Tropical Africa and Asia. It grows 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Cleomaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 5–7 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 40 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, shoots and flowers (cooked) |
| Native to | Tropical Africa and Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Leaves are bitter and are normally cooked.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African cabbage (spider flower vegetable)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about African cabbage (spider flower vegetable)
- How far apart should I plant African cabbage (spider flower vegetable)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is African cabbage (spider flower vegetable)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) flower?
- About 5–7 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is African cabbage (spider flower vegetable) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Leaves are bitter and are normally cooked.
- What grows well with African cabbage (spider flower vegetable)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African cabbage (spider flower vegetable). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Traditional African vegetables, World Vegetable Center
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- Known as saget or chinsaga in Kenya; long purple stamens like the garden cleome. Also repels some insect pests.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spider flower (cleome) Cleome hassleriana
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus