Amaranth

This year I tried planting amaranth for the first time.

Germination is pretty good, however seedlings are tiny and somewhat weak for about three weeks. I seed in a nursery container and then replant into individual Styrofoam cups. When seedlings are about three inches tall I plant them into the garden.

Amaranth grows tall, mine grew to about eight feet tall. Very pretty flowers. Not susceptible to bugs, maybe just a little damage to the leaves. Otherwise pretty hardy vegetable. The only problem is that after the heavy rain stalks fall to the ground under their weight. I did not want to stake each individual plant, so I just let them be.

The reason for planting amaranth is that I wanted to try growing a no-glutein grain. Amaranth seeds are high in calcium, magnesium, iron and of the amino acid Lysine. Also high in potassium, zinc, Vitamin B and E and can contain over 20% protein. Leaves are edible too and resemble the taste of spinach. Leaves could be eaten raw or cooked, just like spinach.