Green Pointed Leaf Edible Amaranth Plant

Green Pointed Leaf Edible Amaranth Plant is sometimes called Chinese Spinach or Water Spinach, as well as being known as Callaloo throughout the world, and comes in a number of varieties, all with incredible amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, but with few calories, making the leafy Edible Amaranth increasingly popular. From baby leaves to seeds, the plant is cultivated for salads, cooking greens and cereal grain. Used similar to how spinach is used in the U.S., but with a smoother, less bitter flavor, Green Pointed Leaf Amaranth is popular in the Caribbean and India and is becoming increasingly popular in U.S. gardens. Young leaves and branches are exceptional for quick stir-fry dishes, each plant readily producing additional side branching and leaves for subsequent harvests!

Planting Instructions:

• - Transplant when soil temperatures reach 65°F

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0
• - Well-drained, fertile soil with moderate organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - Keep soil consistently moist until germination
• - Water regularly, especially during dry spells

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting
• - Side-dress with compost tea monthly

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch off flower heads to encourage leaf production
• - Thin plants to 6-8 inches apart for proper growth

Pollination:

• - Wind-pollinated, no special requirements

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for aphids and leaf miners
• - Use insecticidal soap if pest problems persist

Harvesting Indicators:

• - Harvest young leaves for salads when plants are 6-8 inches tall
• - For grain, harvest when seeds are dry on the plant

Storage:

• - Store fresh leaves in the refrigerator for up to a week
• - Store dried seeds in an airtight container for up to a year

Companion Plants:

• - Onions: Deter pests
• - Corn: Provides support
• - Tomatoes: Benefit from similar growing conditions