Pusa Kirat

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, richly colored callaloo foliage is the first delight of Pusa Kirat—leaf blades unfurl in a vivid green with warm, coppery-red undertones that look as fresh as they taste.

The texture is pleasantly succulent and smooth, with a mild, leafy flavor that shines when gathered young at about 55 days. Grow Pusa Kirat for abundant, quick harvests that are ideal for vibrant greens in sautés, soups, and hearty stews, or for blending into silky sauces and pickled-style preparations.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 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	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Pusa Kirat callaloo is a gentle-flavored green that cooks fast, so it keeps a succulent, smooth bite instead of going fibrous. Its mildness takes bold seasoning—lime, ginger, chili, and creamy coconut—without turning bitter or muddy.

Best Uses

sautéed greens with garlic and a splash of vinegar so they stay glossy and not stringy
stew pot callaloo—added near the end to keep them green and silky
silky blended sauces where the leaf turns velvety without tasting “grassy”
pickled-style greens or quick-ferment relish for tangy contrast

Flavor Profile

mild, leafy sweetness tender succulent leaf texture warming coppery undertone quick-cooking freshness when young

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime or lemon coconut milk smoked meats or salt fish ginger chili

Frequently Asked Questions

What common pest or disease affects Amaranthus tricolor (Pusa Kirat), and how do I manage it at home?

A frequent problem is aphids, which cluster on the tender shoots and leaves and can stunt growth. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water, then follow with insecticidal soap (or neem-based spray) and repeat every 5–7 days until no new colonies appear. If you notice leaf spots or fungal-looking patches, remove badly affected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

How often should I water Pusa Kirat during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth, keep the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for a light, consistent moisture level in the top 2–3 cm of soil. Water deeply when the surface starts to dry, typically about 2–3 times per week depending on heat, and reduce frequency if rains keep the beds wet. Amaranthus tricolor tolerates some drought, but irregular drying can reduce leaf quality and cause faster bolting.

How can I tell when Pusa Kirat (Amaranthus tricolor) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 25–35 cm tall and leaves are well-sized, usually around 45–55 days after sowing. Pick young, tender outer leaves first or harvest the whole plant when it is firm and leafy, before flowering stems become pronounced. If you see rapid stem elongation and budding, harvest immediately for best flavor and texture.