Leafy Greens Red Leaf Vegetable Amaranth thrives in heat-intensive growing conditions where conventional leafy greens falter, making it an exceptional choice for warm-season gardens and tropical climates. Recognized throughout Caribbean cuisine as Red Calaloo, this heirloom variety produces medium green, oval to heart-shaped leaves dramatically overlaid with deep burgundy-red pigmentation — delivering striking visual contrast to culinary preparations. The flavor profile closely mirrors spinach while offering superior nutritional density: substantial dietary fiber, elevated plant-based protein, essential vitamins, and bio-available minerals. Traditionally featured in soups and slow-cooked preparations, this versatile green adapts equally well to fresh applications, stir-fries, and steamed side dishes.

Germination Rate: 99%. Test Date: 8/26. JSS.

Why Choose Red Leaf Vegetable Amaranth?

• Heat Champion: Thrives in summer heat where spinach and lettuce bolt — the ideal warm-season leafy green for Texas and tropical climates.
• Stunning Visual Appeal: Deep burgundy-red and green bicolor leaves bring dramatic color to the garden and plate.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Higher in protein, fiber, calcium, and iron than most conventional leafy greens; rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Spinach Substitute: Mild, earthy flavor closely mirrors spinach — use interchangeably in any recipe calling for cooked greens.
• Caribbean Heritage: Known as Red Calaloo — the cornerstone of traditional Caribbean soups and stews for centuries.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down for at least 75 years — save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO: DNA structure never altered from natural traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. More heat-tolerant than virtually any other leafy green — thrives in conditions that cause spinach to bolt.
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Tolerates poor soils better than most greens.
• Planting: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil temps reach 65°F+. Surface sow or cover lightly — seeds need light to germinate. Can also be started indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. For a continuous cut-and-come-again harvest, plant in dense rows and thin progressively.
• Watering: Water regularly but drought-tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogging — amaranth handles dry spells better than most greens.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. A nitrogen boost mid-season encourages lush, tender leaf growth.
• Support: No staking needed. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushy, branching growth and delay flowering.
• Harvesting: Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 6–8 inches. Young leaves are most tender; harvest before plants flower for best flavor. Cut-and-come-again for continuous production throughout the warm season.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: We pledge to sell only non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds. Read our Safe Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: All seeds sold under our standard Vegetable Seed License.

Cooking Methods & Uses

• Caribbean Calaloo Soup: The traditional preparation — slow-cook leaves with coconut milk, okra, scotch bonnet, and crab or salted meat for authentic Trinidadian calaloo.
• Steamed Side Dish: Steam whole leaves and finish with garlic, olive oil, and lemon — an excellent spinach substitute.
• Stir-Fry: Stir-fry with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick Asian-inspired side dish.
• Sautéed Greens: Wilt in olive oil with garlic and chili flakes as a base for eggs, pasta, or grain bowls.
• Fresh Salads: Use young, tender leaves raw in salads where the red-green color adds visual drama alongside milder greens.
• Smoothies: Blend young leaves into green smoothies for a mild, spinach-like nutritional boost.

Order Red Leaf Vegetable Amaranth Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh amaranth leafy greens in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested amaranth leaves, not seeds. Per 1 cup (28g) raw.)

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0.7g
• Total Carbohydrate: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
• Vitamin K: 17% DV
• Vitamin C: 14% DV
• Vitamin A: 13% DV
• Folate: 6% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 5% DV

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Growing results vary by region, climate, and gardener practice. Harvest before flowering for best leaf flavor and tenderness.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location. Properly stored seeds maintain viability for 3–5 years.
• Planting Zones: Grown as a warm-season annual in all USDA zones. Particularly productive in Zones 7–11; excellent for long Texas summers and tropical growing regions.

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