Amaranth species are commonly grown for their spinach-like leaves, or for their grain-like seeds. Wild species, usually called pigweeds, are the second most damaging weed to agriculture, next to nutsedge. Our Callaloo grows well if cared for, but is unlikely to become a problem. Some native varieties excel as a potherb, specifically A. australis, but they are a wetland plant, and may not do well in your garden.
Callaloo Plant
It produces white seeds that can be used in a number of ways, unlike the black seeded native varieties, whose seeds are bitter.
It is an African species grown for its delicious large leaves and soft stems, and is used as a potherb (it is not eaten raw). It is enjoyed throughout the Caribbean, and our seed line came from Jamaica. Seeds may be broadcast and then thinned, or planted in seed trays and transplanted. They grow fast and tall, and will produce seed even if most of the plant has been eaten. Amaranths are full of vitamins and minerals, and even some protein. The nutritious nature of these plants has not escaped the notice of just about every species of caterpillar, so you would be well advised to pick up a bottle of concentrated BT and a spray bottle to mix and spray the plants with if you encounter problems.
Callaloo Leaves
pdf Callaloo Information Sheet
(to print out)
A Note about Seeds from Dan
ECHO in FT Myers has Callaloo on-line at http://www.echobooks.org/ (click on “seeds” then “leafy green vegetables”). They call it ‘Jamaican Calalu’ . It is also available on EBay: http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Amaranthus-dubius-EdibleTropical-Callaloo-100-seeds-/360187467664. And also at http://evergreenseeds.stores.yahoo.net/ (the site is down until May 5th).
19 responses so far ↓
1 Anne Blanchard // Oct 23, 2008 at 6:16 PM
where can I purchase Callaloo seeds
2 LORI OLIVIER // Jan 19, 2009 at 3:25 PM
I WOULD LIKE TO ORDER SOME CALLALLOO SEEDS. PLEASE EMAIL SOME INFORMATION,THANK LORI
3 R Mundhenk // Feb 7, 2009 at 3:27 PM
I too am trying to located Callaloo seeds. We had the most wonderful callaloo soup in Grenada.
4 B. Jones // Feb 14, 2009 at 2:23 AM
Please send me information where to buy callaloo seeds.
Thanks
5 T. Martin // Feb 27, 2009 at 3:54 PM
I recently bought a callaloo wrap at a local Caribbean restaurant. It was d-licious. Where can I buy callaloo seeds in the metro DC area or perhaps by mail order?
6 A Buchenau // Mar 20, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Very interested in buying callaloo seeds and would love some information
7 Mrs Clarke // Apr 1, 2009 at 4:26 PM
I am desperate to find some CALLALOO SEEDS or plants for my kitchen garden.
Please help.
Thank you.
8 Kathy // Apr 15, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Hi! Just got back from Jamaica where I ate Callaloo all week long! Please send me info so that I can get some seeds and grow this at home! Much tastier than spinach.
9 Shreela // Apr 25, 2009 at 6:29 PM
“they are a wetland plant, and may not do well in your garden.”
They’d grow well for me if they can survive the occasional flooding.
10 Michael // Apr 27, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Sheela’s quote was regarding a native wetland amaranth, not the callaloo we sell. They can grow with their roots under a foot or so of water, and grow a thick buttress like a cypress. We do not supply seeds for Amaranthus australis, but they grow in Paynes Prairie, and some of the marshy edges of Orange Lake, Newnan’s Lake, and Lake Wauburg. Seeds should be collectable late summer and fall.
11 michelle // May 3, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Please tell me where to buy calallo seeds i am from jamaica and i cannot find them
12 Sarah // May 10, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Hey there – I’m in the Boston area and am looking for seeds as well…please email me if any of you find them!!!
13 Fran Bull // Oct 22, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Has anyone found a source for the seeds of Callaloo/Amaranthus gangeticus?
14 Lucus // Dec 2, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I bought some Jamaican callaloo seed on ebay uk. The seller has put up another packet Item number: 320456986998
15 Primrose // Feb 3, 2010 at 4:26 PM
Searching for callalloo seeds cant find them anywhere. Please if any one know where i can get some please email me at primrosewalker@gmail.com.
16 Gregory Hall // Mar 22, 2010 at 4:51 PM
I, like everyone else is trying to find callaloo seed, however, I have and additional quest. Scotch Bonnet pepper seed also used in caribean and Jamaican recipes. If any one has a source for either of these E-mail me at GHall001@wowway.com I would be very grateful
Thank You,
Greg.
17 Jeanne // Apr 5, 2010 at 4:23 PM
please advise where I can purchase callaloo seeds. After having it in Jamaica I would like to grow my own
18 oliver // Apr 11, 2010 at 8:35 PM
need to but calaloo seed any idea
19 Laura // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Please let me know where I can purchase callaloo seeds?
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