‘Green Giant’ Grain Amaranth

(Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

Green amaranth is a fast-growing, leafy green vegetable and an ancient grain, known for its tender, nutritious leaves and edible seeds. This hardy annual thrives in warm weather and can be grown in many climates for its fresh greens or its highly nutritious, small seeds, which are harvested from the dense, green flower spikes.

Family science of amaranth: A. hypochondriacus (orange giant) produces cream-colored grains used as a cereal, Native to North America whereas A. caudatus (Love Lies Bleeding) is known for its ornamental value with hanging, often red, tassels is native to south america. While both are grown for their seeds and leaves, their aesthetic characteristics and native origins are key distinctions.

Quick Facts:

• Color: green flowers with green leaves
• Culinary Uses: Nutritional grain, or use to thicken meals, puff to add texture to meals, leaves like spinach
• Grown Organically – untreated seeds
• Open Pollinated

>>Grown in the West Tamar in Tasmania using organic (non certified)/permaculture principles focusing on soil health<<

Companion Planting:
• Good Neighbours: nightshades like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, which benefit from the pest-deterring beneficial beetles that can inhabit amaranth. Beans and peas also pair well, as they fix nitrogen and can climb stems. Sweetcorn and amaranth work well together for mutual pest protection and to maintain soil moisture, and zinnias are excellent companions that attract pollinators to amaranth.  Cucumbers also like to grow up amaranth stalks
• Bad Neighbours: fennel