Amaranth 'Jamaican Callaloo'

Callaloo Amaranth seeds are grown all over the Caribbean to cultivate baby leaves for the dish known as Callaloo. There are many regional variations to this dish of cooked greens, some with spicy peppers added, some with meat or fish. Callaloo Amaranth makes excellent micro-greens; leave to mature size of about 30cm (12") tall, while the leaves are still tender. Left to grow to full maturity, the plants will develop elegant, dangling flower clusters just like Emerald Tassels/Green Tails. The flowers and seeds are also edible, but may end up in a vase instead.

DETAILS:
 
QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual
 
SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Barely Cover

GERMINATION: 4 - 10 days at 18 - 24°C

MATURITY: 40 - 60 Days

SPACING BETWEEN PLANTS: 10 - 14"

SPACING BETWEEN ROWS: 20"

How To Grow:

Direct sow in late spring when night temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F). Keep soil moist.

HARVEST:

Pick baby or mature greens as needed. Simply cut them with scissors as one would with mescluns. The leaves have an appealing, nutty flavour. Seed will ripen in late summer or early fall. Watch for birds visiting the plants. Rub the flower heads between your hands over a bucket or tray. Doing this into paper yard waste bags works well. If the seeds do not fall easily, leave the plants for one more week and try again. Watch for slug/snail damage to young plants. Amaranth is not prone to pest damage.