Amaranth leaves (mchicha/terere)

About the crop: This crop is annual. You plant, grow and harvest it in one main season, then plant again. You can normally start harvesting about 45 days after planting, depending on care and variety.

Main use: Farmers mostly grow this crop for young tender leaves cooked as vegetables, mixed with other greens, stews and sauces; sometimes grown for both leaf and grain..

Pollination: This crop is mainly pollinated by wind. Keeping flowers healthy and having insects like bees in the field helps improve fruit set and yields.

Where it grows: Amaranth leaves (mchicha/terere) are common leafy vegetables around homesteads, markets and irrigation schemes across East Africa. It is grouped under: Vegetables.

Best climate: This crop does well in warm areas where the temperature is usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers places that receive around 500 to 800 millimetres of rain in a year. It can grow from near sea level up to about 2000 metres above sea level.

Soil: The crop grows best in slightly acidic to near neutral soils, with a pH of about 6 to 7. It does well in well-drained loam or sandy loam with plenty of compost or manure so amaranth leaves (mchicha/terere) can grow fast and tender.. Good drainage is important, so avoid waterlogged spots.

Plant spacing: Plant in rows about 30 centimetres apart, and leave about 10 centimetres between plants in the row. This gives each plant enough space for roots and canopy to spread.

Planting depth: Dig planting holes or furrows about 1 centimetres deep so the roots sit firmly in the soil but are not buried too deep.

Seed or planting material: Use around 5 kilograms of seed or planting material per hectare. Spread or plant evenly so the field has a good stand without being overcrowded.