Amaranthus Dubios seed

Description

Botanical Name: Amaranthus dubius
Common Names: Spleen amaranth, Chinese spinach, African amaranth
Category: Heirloom/Traditional Seed – Leafy Vegetable Crop
Seed Type: Open-pollinated / Non-GMO
Origin: Indigenous to tropical Asia and Africa
Plant Family: Amaranthaceae

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🌱 Overview:

Amaranthus dubius seeds are the starting point for cultivating a fast-growing, nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable widely appreciated in tropical and subtropical regions. This variety of amaranth is highly valued for both its culinary uses and nutritional content, often used as a spinach alternative. The plant is easy to grow, tolerant to heat and poor soils, and matures quickly—making it a popular choice for home gardens, permaculture projects, and small-scale farming.

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🌿 Key Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Annual, upright herbaceous plant, grows 60–120 cm tall

• Leaves: Broad, soft, green or slightly purplish, tender and edible

• Seeds: Tiny, round, brown to black, high germination rate

• Flowering: Small, greenish flowers arranged in terminal clusters

• Climate Tolerance: Thrives in warm climates, highly drought-resistant

• Cycle: Short lifecycle—harvestable within 3–6 weeks after sowing

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🧑‍🌾 Agricultural Benefits:

• Fast-Growing: One of the quickest leafy greens to harvest

• Resilient Crop: Grows in a variety of soils; minimal maintenance

• Continuous Harvesting: Young leaves can be harvested multiple times

• Multi-Use Plant: Leaves, stems, and even seeds can be consumed or used as livestock fodder

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🍽️ Culinary Uses:

• Eaten fresh in salads or steamed like spinach

• Common in stir-fries, soups, stews, and traditional African or Asian dishes

• Can be dried and preserved for off-season use

• Mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with garlic, onions, and spices

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💪 Nutritional Profile (Leafy Part):

• High in iron, calcium, and magnesium

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K

• Contains essential amino acids (especially lysine)

• Antioxidant-rich and good for detoxification

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🌾 How to Grow:

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil

• Sowing Depth: 0.5–1 cm deep

• Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants

• Germination Time: 4–7 days in warm conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun for optimal growth

• Watering: Moderate, do not overwater

• Harvest: First cut within 3–4 weeks after sowing; regrows for multiple harvests

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🌍 Sustainability & Cultural Relevance:

Amaranthus dubius is an important indigenous crop in parts of Africa and Asia, contributing to local food security, soil improvement, and traditional medicine. Its rapid growth and high nutritional value make it a smart addition to climate-resilient and urban agriculture systems.