THE CHINESE GREENS - Growing Chinese Vegetables in Your Own Backyard - page 6

Planting. Generally speaking, sow seeds shallowly (no more than ¼ inch deep), ½ inch
apart, in rows 18 inches apart. Check the seed packets for specific recommendations.
Keep the seeds moist until the first set of true leaves appears.
Amaranth grows so quickly that only the most eager gardeners will start seeds in-
doors. (See page 201.) If you want an extra-early crop of amaranth, try a small sowing.
Keep seeds and then seedlings moist, and keep an eye on the growth. Since amaranth
can be fussy about transplanting, be even more careful than usual about disturbing the
roots when transplanting. As soon as the soil has warmed up, harden off seedlings and
set them out where they are to stay in your garden. Shade them if a hot spell coincides
with this move. Keep the soil around them moist so that roots move into it with the least
difficulty.
Growing needs. Amaranth grows freely in many climates, in warm or cold. It requires
full sun but isn't fussy about anything else. Once seedlings are growing well, plants tol-
erate heat and drought and aren't much bothered by pests. Fertilize lightly; overfertiliz-
ing results in over-large, often tough leaves.
When seedlings are 2 inches high, thin plants to 2 inches apart. Pull up the entire
plant you're thinning and enjoy these excellent baby greens. Cut off the roots and wash
leaves in lukewarm water to remove soil. Then steam or stir-fry for 2 minutes. Contin-
ue to thin by harvesting every other plant until the plants are 10 to 18 inches apart (or
whatever final spacing is recommended on the seed packet).
DID YOU KNOW?
Amaranth is not only versatile and delicious, it's also one of the most nutritious vegetables or grains you
can eat. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals — even more than beet greens — and are easy to
digest. The seeds are also good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Seeds contain more protein than
common cereal grains. The protein is very high quality; it's considered a complete protein because it has
a better balance of amino acids than soybeans, whole wheat, or milk. Amaranth seeds are also a good
source of calcium and iron.
How to Harvest
For greens. When plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, begin to harvest outer leaves. Plants
mature in about 50 days for greens and 100 or more days for seeds. Cut the tops and
youngest leaves to delay flowering and prolong harvest. If you want seeds, not greens,
you can enjoy the flowers for a long time. In Connecticut they flower from July through
September, slowing down when the weather turns cool.
For seeds. Wait until seeds are fully mature and almost dry. Pull up the entire plant, cut
off the roots, and hang upside down in a warm dry place in a paper bag. Label the bags