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)
The seeds of the black-seeded variety (not A australis) are bitter. The plant tends to go to seed more quickly, but it also reseeds itself more reliably, so it will come back year after year without your having to replant it.
The seeds of the white-seeded variety can be eaten as a grain. The plant goes a little longer before going to seed, which you will need to collect and store over the winter in order to plant more of it.
Seeds for Sale: We have seeds for sale for $5 a packet – please specify whether you’d like white or black seeds (or one packet of each for $10)
Cash or Check only to: Miranda Castro, 4474 NW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
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).
where can I purchase Callaloo seeds
I WOULD LIKE TO ORDER SOME CALLALLOO SEEDS. PLEASE EMAIL SOME INFORMATION,THANK LORI
I too am trying to located Callaloo seeds. We had the most wonderful callaloo soup in Grenada.
Please send me information where to buy callaloo seeds.
Thanks
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?
Very interested in buying callaloo seeds and would love some information
I am desperate to find some CALLALOO SEEDS or plants for my kitchen garden.
Please help.
Thank you.
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.
“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.
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.
Please tell me where to buy calallo seeds i am from jamaica and i cannot find them
Hey there – I’m in the Boston area and am looking for seeds as well…please email me if any of you find them!!!
Has anyone found a source for the seeds of Callaloo/Amaranthus gangeticus?
I bought some Jamaican callaloo seed on ebay uk. The seller has put up another packet Item number: 320456986998
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.
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.
please advise where I can purchase callaloo seeds. After having it in Jamaica I would like to grow my own
need to but calaloo seed any idea
Please let me know where I can purchase callaloo seeds?
Finally! We have seeds for sale!!!
They are just $5 a packet – please specify whether you’d like white or black seeds (or one packet of each i.e. $10!)
Cash or Check only to:
Miranda Castro, 4474 NW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
Do you still have seeds for sale
i do!