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Can You Grow Amaranth (Chaulai / Rajgira) in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Amaranth thrives in your zone — a productive dual-purpose crop for greens and nutritious grain.

Plant zones

4a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

50–75 days

When to plant Amaranth (Chaulai / Rajgira)s in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 1 – Mar 26

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Amaranth (Chaulai / Rajgira)

Amaranth (chaulai saag) is a fast-growing leafy vegetable and grain crop used across Indian, African, and Central American cuisines. The leaves are cooked like spinach; the seeds (rajgira) are a nutritious grain used in laddoos and rotis. Extremely productive and heat-tolerant.

Direct sow after last frost — grows rapidly in heat. Harvest outer leaves continuously for greens. For grain, let seed heads mature and turn brown, then thresh over a bucket. Leaf amaranth is ready in 6-8 weeks. Self-seeds prolifically — deadhead if you do not want volunteers.

Full amaranth (chaulai / rajgira) growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.