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Chinese Spinach

© Vic Ferri

Chinese Spinach, which is also known as calaloo, Hon-toi-moi, Tampala, or hin choy, is actaully an edible form of Amaranthus( Amaranthaceae Amaranthus tricolor L). And yes it's a type of that same Amaranthus you're most likely familiar with(Joseph's Coat, Loves Lies Bleeding, etc) You grow Chinese spinach for its tender edible leaves and depending on the variety can vary in foliage color, leaf shape, plant height and flavor. The green types usually grow the tallest - two to four feet and the leaves are about six inches long. Though a lot like spinach as far as taste and parts eaten, it is very unlike spinach as far as climate requirements. Chinese spinach thrives in hot weather. They grow best in sunny, raised beds with well-fertilized soils and plenty of moisture. Do not even bother trying to grow it if you garden in a cool season area - the quality will be poor and the leaves tough. Please note however, that I didn't say it can't grow in short season areas. Chinese spinach grows quickly - within thirty days in warm weather you can begin harvesting the leaves.

How to Grow Sow the very tiny seeds a half inch deep or less after the soil is thoroughly warm, and keep the bed evenly moist. A soil temperature of 65 degrees would be ideal. Once they are up and growing ,thin the young plants to six inches apart. Thinnings can be eaten. Tip: pinch the growing tips to force the plant to branch and make more new and tender growth. Begin harvesting greens five to six weeks after sowing. The leaves and stems are cooked just like spinach are quite high in protein.

As you can see, Chinese spinach is very easy to grow - as long as there is heat.

Most Popular Varieties The amaranth family has many groups of plants found in various regions in the world. It's not difficult to become confused or overwhelmed by all the different names and species. However, when it comes to the most popular edible amaranthus grown in Asia, three varieties stand out and have been given easy friendly names by some seedsmen. Look for these in seed catalogs. If the common names aren't listed, just look at the entries for Amaranthus and make sure "edible" is stated. Please note that some catalogs promote their varieties as edible but may be of another type that produces GRAIN only. This is not the type of edible you want. Be sure the variety mentions edible for GREENS.

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