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Dhandukeerai Seeds – Red & Green Stem Amaranth | Home Garden Seeds

Original price was: ₹ 89.00.Current price is: ₹ 59.00.

20 in stock

Grow the hearty, stem-rich Dhandukeerai (Thandu Keerai) at home with VERTHULI’s premium open-pollinated seeds.

Description

Grow the hearty, stem-rich Dhandukeerai (Thandu Keerai) at home with VERTHULI’s premium open-pollinated seeds. Available in both Red and Green varieties, this popular South Indian leafy green is prized for its thick, tender stems and soft leaves — perfect for poriyal, kootu, and everyday cooking. Fast-growing and low-maintenance, Dhandukeerai is an excellent choice for home gardeners and terrace farmers looking to grow their own fresh, chemical-free greens with minimal effort.

Additional information

Variety

Red / Green Stem Amaranth (Dhandukeerai)

Type

Open

Seed Form

Untreated, Natural

Germination Rate

85–90%

Days to Harvest

30–35 days

Sowing Season

Year-round (best Feb–Sep)

Sunlight Requirement

Full Sun

Suitable For

Home Garden, Terrace, Farm, Grow Bags

Origin

Locally Sourced

Shelf Life

12 months from packing (store in cool, dry place)

Growing Guide

  1. Soil Preparation: Use well-draining, fertile soil mixed with compost or well-rotted organic manure. A pH range of 6.0–7.5 works best.
  2. Sowing: Sow seeds directly into soil or grow bags at a depth of 0.5–1 cm. Mix fine seeds with dry sand for even distribution.
  3. Spacing: Maintain 15–20 cm spacing between plants to allow stems to thicken and develop properly.
  4. Watering: Water lightly every day to keep soil moist until germination, then water every 2–3 days depending on weather.
  5. Sunlight: Requires at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy stem and leaf development.
  6. Thinning: Once seedlings reach 5–7 cm, thin them to avoid overcrowding and allow stems to grow thick and tender.
  7. Fertilizing: Apply organic compost or diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks to encourage strong stem growth.
  8. Pest Management: Watch for leaf-eating caterpillars and aphids. Use neem oil spray as a natural, safe control method.
  9. Harvesting: Ready to harvest in 30–35 days. Cut stems 3–4 cm above soil level to allow regrowth, or uproot entire plants for a one-time harvest.
  10. Succession Planting: Sow a fresh batch every 15–20 days for a continuous supply of fresh stems and greens.

FAQ

1. How long does it take for Dhandukeerai seeds to germinate?
Seeds typically germinate within 5–8 days under warm, moist conditions.
Yes, it grows very well in pots, grow bags, and terrace containers with at least 8 inches of depth to support stem development.
Red Dhandukeerai has reddish-purple stems and leaves with a slightly earthy taste, while Green Dhandukeerai has bright green stems with a milder flavor. Both have the same thick, tender stems.
It needs 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best stem and leaf growth.
Yes, if you cut stems above soil level instead of uprooting, the plant will regrow and can be harvested 2–3 times.
Yes, these seeds are untreated and well-suited for organic and chemical-free growing methods.
Water lightly daily until germination, then every 2–3 days once established, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
It can be grown almost year-round in most parts of India, though February to September gives the fastest growth.
Store in a cool, dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture for up to 12 months.
Dhandukeerai has noticeably thicker, more fibrous stems that are cooked and eaten along with the leaves, while Siru Keerai has finer stems and softer, smaller leaves.

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