Amaranth Seeds,Elephant Head (Amaranth cruentus) Organic - Asian Vegetable

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Elephant Head’ — Elephant Head Amaranth — is a striking organic heirloom variety with large, deep red plume-like flower heads that evoke the dramatic silhouette of elephants’ trunks raised toward the sky. 100% open-pollinated, heirloom, non-hybrid, and non-GMO. A dual-purpose heat-loving annual: the ornamental deep red blooms make a bold garden statement, while the tiny seeds are edible — popped or ground into nutritious flour. Young leaves and seedlings can be harvested as micro-greens or cooked greens, maturing in just 24 days. Matures to seed in 50 days. A beloved staple across the Caribbean (Callaloo), Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Plant Highlights

• Dramatic deep red plume-like flower heads — bold, architectural garden presence
• Dual-use: ornamental blooms + edible seeds (popped or ground into flour) + micro-greens/cooked greens
• 100% organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO
• Greens ready in 24 days; seeds mature in 50 days
• Heat-loving; outstanding summer green when most leafy crops struggle
• Known globally as: Callaloo (Jamaica/Caribbean), Chaulai/Lal Sag (India), Een Choy (China), Bayam (Malaysia/Indonesia), Rau Den (Vietnam), and many more

Growing Guide

Soil: Loam or silty loam preferred. Very drought tolerant — water only when dry once established.

Sowing: Direct seed after soil has warmed in spring. Seed is very fine — mix with sand or coffee grounds as a carrier before scattering. Rake in lightly after sowing.

Micro-greens: Seedlings can be harvested as micro-greens at any early stage.

Harvesting Guide

Greens: Harvest before flowers appear — harvest the entire plant or individual leaves for the most tender, flavorful results.

Seeds: After flowers have turned to seed, cut the stalk and allow to cure for several days in a sunny location. Bring in at night to avoid moisture. Once fully dry, shake into a paper bag and sieve to separate seeds from chaff.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Elephant Head Amaranth, Callaloo (Caribbean), Chaulai (India)
• Botanical name: Amaranthus cruentus ‘Elephant Head’
• Type: Annual; heat-loving
• Seed type: 100% organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO
• Maturity: 24 days (greens) | 50 days (grain/seed)
• Bloom: Large deep red plume-like flower heads
• Soil: Loam/silty loam; drought tolerant
• Sowing: Direct sow after soil warms; surface scatter and rake in lightly
• Uses: Ornamental, edible greens, micro-greens, grain/flour