Tampala Green

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, velvety leaves unfurl in a lush cascade of Tampala Green—deep, glossy green with a faint, luminous sheen that catches the light as they sway.

Expect a pleasantly mild, fresh flavor and a succulent, slightly crisp texture that holds up beautifully when gathered young. Grow Tampala Green for vibrant bunches that shine in stir-fries, simmered greens, and bright sauces, or for quick pickling-style preparations that keep their color and character.

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)	60
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tampala Green callaloo is a mild, tender leafy that refuses to turn stringy—so it earns a spot in fast cooking and high-color sauces where you want body without bitterness. Keep it bright with citrus or coconut and it’ll stay glossy and pleasantly crisp even after a quick simmer.

Best Uses

quick stir-fries where the leaves wilt fast but keep texture
simmered callaloo-style greens with a glossy, lightly thickened finish
bright green purées or sauces where you want mild flavor and strong color
quick pickling-style preparations that hold their color and bite

Flavor Profile

pleasantly mild, fresh vegetal flavor tender and velvety leaves with a slight succulent snap clean, grassy note that stays bright rather than muddy

Kitchen Pairings

garlic ginger lime coconut milk scallion hot pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus tricolor (Tampala Green), and how can I control it?

Watch for leaf-chewing caterpillars and aphids, which commonly attack amaranth foliage in warm weather. Hand-pick caterpillars early, spray aphids off with a strong water jet, and repeat every 2–3 days for a week; if needed, use an insecticidal soap on the undersides of leaves. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering help reduce foliar fungal spots that can appear in humid spells.

How often should I water Tampala Green (Amaranthus tricolor) during its main growing phase?

During the 3–5 weeks of active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for light moisture at the top 1 inch. In typical summer conditions, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing to 2–3 times weekly during hot, drying winds or containers. If leaves look limp or curling, water immediately; if soil stays wet, cut back to prevent root stress and leaf diseases.

How do I know when Tampala Green (Amaranthus tricolor) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 35 days when plants are leafy with tender stems and leaves that snap slightly when bent. For best texture, take the outer leaves first and cut above a node to encourage regrowth; avoid waiting for leaves to become tough or the plant to bolt. If you want repeat harvests, keep cutting every 5–7 days while the center remains tender.