Kallaloo Red Stem

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, succulent leaves emerge on striking Kallaloo Red Stem stalks, with a vivid red-veined presence that feels almost jewel-bright in the garden.

The flavor is pleasantly earthy and mildly peppery, with a crisp-tender bite that holds up beautifully when gathered young. Ideal for fresh use and quick simmer-style dishes, Kallaloo Red Stem brings bold color and lush texture to your table in just about 45 days from sowing.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Kallaloo Red Stem

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	Jun 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These young, crisp-tender callaloo leaves cook down fast without turning to cloudy mush, so they keep a clean chew in stews. The mild peppery earthiness loves fat-and-smoke (coconut, smoked fish/pork) and wakes up with a squeeze of lime right at the end.

Best Uses

quick simmer greens for a silky, spoonable pot of callaloo
steam-and-wilt side with a little salted fat and citrus
stew/fish-pot binder—stays intact instead of collapsing into mush
fresh-chopped topping for rice, dumplings, or beans

Flavor Profile

earthy, mildly peppery bite tender, succulent leaf texture red-veined brightness that stays vivid when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

garlic scallion coconut milk smoked salt or smoked paprika lime juice salt pork or smoked fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus viridis (kallaloo red stem), and how do I treat it?

A frequent issue is downy mildew, which shows as pale yellow patches on leaves with a gray-purple growth underneath, especially in humid, crowded plantings. Improve airflow by thinning to about 20–30 cm (8–12 in) between plants and water the soil (not the leaves). If you see mildew early, remove heavily affected leaves and repeat applications of a labeled copper-based fungicide according to the label directions.

How often should I water kallaloo red stem during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth (about weeks 2–6), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for a consistent lightly damp feel 2–3 cm (1 in) below the surface. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, then reduce frequency if rainfall keeps the bed moist. Avoid letting it dry out completely, since drought can slow leaf production and make leaves tougher.

How can I tell when Amaranthus viridis is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach roughly 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tall and the leaves are fully formed but still tender, typically around 45 days. Pick outer leaves and tender stem tips first; leave the growing point to keep producing. Stop harvesting individual plants once leaves are noticeably tough or flowering starts, as quality declines quickly after bolting.