Calaloo

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Tender, velvety leaves unfurl with a lush, spinach-like richness and a pleasantly mild, green sweetness—ideal for gardeners who crave quick, satisfying harvests.

Calaloo forms a compact, leafy clump with succulent stems and a vivid, fresh color that stays attractive through repeated picking. Grow it for bold, leafy abundance in fresh preparations and vibrant sauces, where its tender texture shines from first harvest to the last.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Calaloo’s tender, velvety leaves cook fast and stay supple—overcook it and you’ll lose that plush, spoonable texture. Because it’s mildly sweet and green, it loves coconut and bright citrus to keep the flavor vivid instead of earthy.

Best Uses

quick-sautéed greens with a slick of oil and a splash of acid
Jamaican-style calaloo pot with coconut milk
steam-and-chop service for omelets and rice bowls
stir into soups near the end to keep the leaves tender

Flavor Profile

velvety spinach-like body mild green sweetness succulent, tender chew pleasantly earthy finish

Kitchen Pairings

coconut milk lime or lemon juice scallions ginger butter or olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Amaranthus cruentus (calaloo) leaves developing pale stippling and speckling, and how can I control it?

This often points to spider mites, which thrive in warm, dry conditions and cause leaf stippling that can spread across plants. Rinse the undersides of leaves with a strong spray, then keep plants evenly moist and increase humidity around them by watering the soil (not foliage) consistently. If damage persists, repeat an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil treatment every 5–7 days, covering leaf undersides thoroughly.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to stay lightly damp. In full sun, this usually means watering about every 2–3 days, increasing frequency during hot, windy spells. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, because calaloo can slow growth and become more susceptible to mite problems.

How do I know when to harvest Amaranthus cruentus calaloo?

Harvest when plants are about 8–12 inches tall and before the leaves get tough—typically around 30–35 days after sowing. Take outer leaves first (cut or pinch above the growing point) so the plant keeps producing tender new shoots. Stop harvest once plants start forming seed heads or the leaves become coarse and less vibrant.