How to Grow Burgundy Callaloo
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Burgundy Callaloo
Amaranthus cruentus
vegetableBurgundy Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable with deep burgundy-red stems and veins running through dark green foliage, prized in Caribbean and African cuisine. It's a fast-growing amaranth variety that produces both edible leaves and nutrient-dense grain-like seeds. This heat-loving plant thrives in warm climates and provides continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
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Example Burgundy Callaloo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Callaloo
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burgundy Callaloo
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as a warm-season annual in zones 3-8
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Get my Burgundy Callaloo timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days. Stems show early burgundy coloration.
Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear. Protect from slugs and snails.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly prominent burgundy veining on dark green leaves. Height reaches 12-24 inches with bushy, productive foliage.
Water consistently, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer or fish emulsion. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness. Remove any yellow leaves.
Leaf Production & Harvesting
3-8 weeks (continuous)Mature leaves are dark green with burgundy stems and veins, fully developed and tender for culinary use. Plant continues producing new leaves from the top.
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth. Water deeply and maintain consistent moisture. Continue feeding every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering & Seed Production
4-6 weeksTerminal flower spikes develop with deep burgundy-red flowers. If left unharvested, flowers mature into seed heads with thousands of small black seeds.
To extend leaf harvesting, remove flower buds as they appear. Allow some plants to flower if collecting seeds. Maintain consistent watering.
Seed Maturity & End of Season
2-4 weeks before frostFlower heads darken and dry as seeds ripen. Stems become woody, leaf production slows. Plant gradually senesces as temperatures cool.
Allow seed heads to dry on plant if harvesting seeds. Cut entire plant at soil level when frost threatens. Compost or dry for winter use.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap; plant marigolds and nasturtiums as trap crops; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity with frequent misting; spray with neem oil or sulfur dust; remove heavily infested leaves.
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; use row covers on young plants; apply kaolin clay spray; introduce predatory beetles.
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage parasitic wasps and birds.
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Handpick at dusk; place copper barriers or beer traps; remove debris harboring them; encourage ground beetles.
Uses
Caribbean & African Cooking
CulinaryBurgundy Callaloo is the traditional ingredient in Caribbean callaloo soup and African cuisines, where leaves and stems are cooked in soups, stews, and sautés. The tender leaves have a mild spinach-like flavor and become creamy when cooked. [source]
Nutritious Raw Salads
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves can be used fresh in salads for a slightly nutty flavor and beautiful burgundy accent. Raw leaves retain all nutrients and offer a crisp texture. [source]
Traditional Medicine & Nutrition
MedicinalCallaloo is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and folate, making it valued in traditional African and Caribbean medicine for treating anemia and boosting immunity. The leaves contain antioxidants that support overall health. [source]
Natural Dye Production
HouseholdThe burgundy stems and veins can be used to create natural red and purple dyes for fabric dyeing projects. The pigments are water-soluble and produce various shades depending on mordants used. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Food
WildlifeWhen left to flower and seed, Burgundy Callaloo provides abundant seeds for songbirds, finches, and other wildlife. The flowers also attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants are 6-8 inches tall and continue picking regularly to promote bushy growth and prolong harvest. Pick leaves early in the morning for best flavor and texture. Harvest the top 3-4 inches of tender growth for softer leaves. Remove flower buds to extend the leaf-producing phase. For seed harvest, allow flower heads to fully dry on the plant or hang them in a warm, dry location; thresh and winnow seeds when completely dry. Plants can produce leaves for 2-3 months with consistent harvesting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burgundy Callaloo is a true superfood that has been cultivated in Africa for over 8,000 years and was a staple crop for ancient Aztecs, who valued it nearly as highly as corn.
- 🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds, making it an exceptionally prolific grower and excellent choice for seed saving and food security.
- 🌱 The plant is sometimes called 'African spinach' or 'Chinese spinach' depending on region, though it's botanically a completely different plant from spinach with superior heat and drought tolerance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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