Organic 'Polish' Amaranth

Organic 'Polish' amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) from the seed company Gaia, a vigorous heritage variety with nutritious leaves and abundant seeds

'Polish' amaranth forms a tall, vigorous, and very leafy plant , recognizable by its broad, tender, dark green leaves veined with red , borne on sturdy stems. From mid-summer, it develops large, feathery plumes laden with abundant seeds , creating a spectacular display in the garden. Its upright and majestic habit allows it to easily reach a considerable height without requiring staking.

Developed from seeds provided by Richard DeWild , a Wisconsin farmer, and later refined by Wild Garden Seeds , this variety was selected for its exceptional flavor , high yield , and good adaptation to cool climates , particularly those of Canadian zone 5. The leaves are edible and used as a green vegetable, while the highly nutritious seeds can be harvested and consumed as a grain. Its flowering also attracts pollinators , enhancing its ecological value.

Companion plants: Corn, Marigold, Potato, Onion, Tomato, Eggplant, Pepper, Catnip
Enemy plants: Crocus

Spread/Carry: Upright, very vigorous
Plant height: 90 to 120 cm
Quantity per packet: Approximately 100 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Heritage variety, edible leaves and seeds, very productive, attracts pollinators, adapted to cool climates

Leaf color: Dark green with red veins
Texture/flavor: Tender leaves with a rich taste, nutritious seeds
Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost, tolerates cool temperatures once established

Farming method

Sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost , at a depth of 0.1 cm , in a light potting mix. Germination occurs in 4 to 10 days , at an optimal temperature of around 21°C . The seedlings can be hardened off gradually , as they tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C . Transplant outdoors after the last frost , spacing the plants 8 to 10 cm apart, with rows 45 to 60 cm apart .

Amaranth prefers full sun (level 3) and light to moderate watering (level 1) . It adapts well to average to rich soils and requires little maintenance once established.

Harvesting and preservation

The leaves can be harvested young throughout the season for fresh or cooked consumption. The seeds are harvested when the flower heads are fully open and dry , usually in late summer. Cut the flower heads and dry them before threshing the seeds. The seeds can be stored in a dry place and used like any other grain.

Usage ideas

• Sautéed leaves or in soup
• Cooked seeds, like cereal
• A self-sufficient, productive garden
• Structuring plant in the vegetable garden
• Honey-producing and ecological cultivation

'Polish' amaranth is a complete plant , ornamental, edible, and ecological , offering leaves, seeds, and beauty all in one crop. A robust and generous heirloom variety, perfectly suited to vibrant and resilient vegetable gardens.