Growing and Marketing Edible Amaranth (Red and Green Calaloo) and Chrysanthemum Greens at Local Green Markets in Southeast Florida, 2002–2003

Abstract

The growers for Stephen’s Produce grew and marketed edible amaranth, Amaranthus tricolorL. and Amaranthus viridisL., and chrysanthemum greens, Glebionis coronariumvar. spatiosumL.H. Bailey during the 2002–2003 season to help supply local green markets with a weekend supply of “garden fresh” produce. Planting schedules, growing and harvesting methods, yields, and sales figures will be discussed. Redleaf amaranth was direct seeded 14 times beginning 14 Sept. and ending 26 Mar. Greenleaf amaranth was direct seeded six times beginning 14 Sept. and ending 7 Nov. Edible chrysanthemum was a late addition to the crop mix and was planted three times beginning 5 Mar. and ending 19 Mar. Amaranth greens were cut, bunched, and sold on 21 weekends from 19 Oct. to 4 May. For redleaf amaranth, an average of 17 bunches were sold each week at $1.50 to $2.00 per bunch or $29 per week and $610 for the season. For greenleaf amaranth, an average of 14 bunches were sold each week at $1.50 per bunch or $17.75 per week and $107 for the season. Edible chrysanthemum was cut and bagged (90 to 220 g per bag). For edible chrysanthemum, an average of 13 bags were sold each week at $1.00 to $2.00 per bag or $24 per week and $170 for the season.