Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) (Amaranthus tricolor) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Southern and Southeast Asia (cultivated widely in the tropics). 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 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 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 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–11 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves and shoots, seeds |
| Native to | Southern and Southeast Asia (cultivated widely in the tropics) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Leaves contain oxalates and nitrates; fine cooked in normal amounts, but large amounts are a concern.
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 Amaranth (leaf, callaloo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Amaranth (leaf, callaloo)
- How far apart should I plant Amaranth (leaf, callaloo)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Amaranth (leaf, callaloo)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) flower?
- About 6–11 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Leaves contain oxalates and nitrates; fine cooked in normal amounts, but large amounts are a concern.
- What grows well with Amaranth (leaf, callaloo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Amaranth (leaf, callaloo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Warm-season C4 leaf crop; leaves are picked from 3-5 weeks. Seeds do not germinate well in cool soil below about 15 C.
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
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa