Category: Vegetable Gardens

Amaranthus tricolor “edible amaranth”

Amaranthus tricolor “edible amaranth”

Tropics; 1,2m
Planting position: Full sun.
Wind-protected area.
Suitable for all growing regions without humidity.
Requires regular summer watering.
Compost-enriched, well-draining soil.
Fertilising.
Watch out for fungal diseases and snails.
Propagate from spring-sown seed.

Grown for the attractive foliage, which is striking red and yellow-tipped.‘Marmoratus’ has green and yellow foliage.

This edible plant  should be in every kitchen garden and will be a fantastic companion for your legumes.

Amaranthus tricolor “edible amaranth” is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that provides a good amount of fiber, protein and micronutrients. Halth benefits include reduced inflammation, lower cholesterol levels and increased weight loss.

* Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Arundo donax “Giant reed” is edible and useful

Arundo donax “Giant reed”

S. Europe; 3 – 5m
Planting position: Full sun.Areas without severe frost.Ideal for coastal areas.Ideal for high rainfall regions.
Requires regular watering during dry periods.Well-draining, compost enriched soil.Pruning at the end of summer, ensuring new growth
Propagate from root division

A large, upright plant with grass-like, greyish-green leaves.
Arundo donax var. variegata (3 -4m) with its long leaves streaked cream.

The perennial Arundo donax “Giant reed” or cabe is edible and also known as  giant cane,elephant grass, carrizo, arundo, Spanish cane, Colorado river reed and wild cane. A. donax is a super strong, even aggressive grower that reproduces fast.

It is the rhizome that are mostly eaten, raw or cooked or they can be dried and ground into a powder or flour to make bread with. Young shoots and (quite bitter) leaves are also eaten cooked as a potherb.

This plant is very useful as a construction material.