[JimG]

Has anyone any experience in growing amaranth and quinoa?  I've ordered some seeds and am in need of any and all guidance from those that've real experience beyond reading the seed packet!

Cheers,


Jim

[gobs]

You'd be surprised how many people have or are growing Amaranth, if nothing else, the ornamental varieties. The common name pigweed, might give a clue, how tricky it is.

Saying that, I've always sown them earlier. Also there is a thread in general gardening on growing giant ones.

Be careful with quinoa - goosefoot family - seedlings look like fat hen.

Both contain oxalic acid, eat them cooked.

[JimG]

Thanks, gobs.

I did start some amaranth earlier but it was very weak and didn't survive. I'll try again and see what happens.  The seed's from a different supplier this time - clearly it was the dodgy seed, not the dodgy grower to blame!

[gobs]

Seedlings can be so tiny it's easy to kill them just by watering. Be gentle.

[purplekat]

How did people get on with this last year?
I'm trying them both this year

[mumofstig]

The young leaves of Red amaranth can be eaten raw in salads, same as spinach. They make a lovely colourful salad. I bought mine last year from sarah raven. The seeds are nice on bread as well

http://www.sarahraven.com/product_categories/13-seeds-vegetables-salad-herb-seeds-vegetable-seeds/products/631-amaranth-red

[zazen999]

Yup and Yup - both dead easy.

Quinoa though - needs to be grown quite close together and to be staked - it gets quite tall. I wouldn't waste my space on it again, but it filled a soil gap last year.

[Ian_P]

Grow Your Own magazine had an article on growing amaranth a few months back. I should have it somewhere I will search.

Their website doesn't have search function or it seems a database of articles which is a pity.

I will take a look later

I

[yummy]

I love quinoa. Can anyone recommend a good place to buy seed please?

Thanks

[purplekat]

I love quinoa. Can anyone recommend a good place to buy seed please?

Thanks

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/grains.html

[Stripey_cat]

They have a minimum order, though.  You'll have to buy more things!

[yummy]

Thanks for that. Might have a go at some of the rainbow stuff