Description

Green Marog (Amaranthus hybridus), also known locally as wild African spinach or imifino, is a nutrient-rich leafy green traditionally grown across Southern Africa. Valued for its vigorous growth, heat tolerance, and edible young leaves, Green Marog thrives in hot, dry climates and is ideal for low-maintenance home gardens and community food gardens.

The plant grows up to 40-100 cm tall, producing tender green leaves with a nutty, slightly earthy, spinach-like flavour. It is commonly harvested continuously, promoting regrowth and prolonged yield. Green Marog is extremely adaptable, flourishing in both rural and urban settings, particularly in well-drained, compost-enriched soil.

In South Africa, this indigenous staple is celebrated not only for its culinary versatility, including use in stews, sautés, and traditional dishes, but also for its resilience, making it a reliable source of greens during drought or seasonal transitions.

 

Benefits

Compact and Resilient

• Grows quickly and abundantly with minimal care.
  
• Excellent for low-maintenance gardens, permaculture systems, or regenerative plots.
  
• Suitable for containers, raised beds, or open ground in rural and urban settings.

Pollinator & Pest Benefits

• Not a pest repellent itself, but its vigorous growth can outcompete weeds and reduce pest-prone areas.
• Attracts bees and butterflies with its small, nectar-rich flowers.
  
• Encourages beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that help manage aphids and caterpillars.
  
• Flowers attract pollinators that benefit nearby crops.

Nutritional Benefits

• Exceptionally high in iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium – supports blood, bone, and muscle health.
  
• Rich in vitamins A and C – promotes strong immunity, skin health, and vision.
  
• Contains high-quality plant protein and fibre – excellent for vegetarian diets and digestive health.
  
• Provides powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress.
  

Health Benefits

• Supports anaemia prevention due to high iron content.
  
• Natural anti-inflammatory properties help reduce chronic inflammation.
  
• May help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol due to mineral content.
  

• Traditionally used to aid digestion and detoxification.
  

 

How To Use

Green Marog flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Spring to Early Summer
• Temperature: 18-30°C
• Germinate: 5-10 days
• Depth: 3-5 mm
• Spacing: 20x30 cm
• Harvest: 30-50 days
• Height: 40-100 cm
• Flowering Season: Midsummer to early autumn
• Exposure: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment

• Rich, well-draining loam or compost-amended soil, pH 6.0–7.0.
• Requires frequent, deep watering; never allow soil to dry out completely.
• Incorporate compost at planting; supplement with organic nitrogen-rich feeds every 3–4 weeks.
• Best in cooler South African regions (coastal, highveld); protect from heatwaves.
• Prefers moderate to high humidity (60–80%); mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and reduce stress.
• Watch for aphids, celery leaf miners, and slugs – plant with nasturtiums or marigolds for natural deterrence.
• Performs well in deep containers, raised beds, or open garden rows.
• Benefits from being planted alongside maize, beans, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
• Intercropping: Pair with carrots, radish, or chamomile for pest control.
• Crop Rotation: Plant after heavy feeders or legumes. Follow with root crops or herbs.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Till in residues to add organic matter.
• Avoid overcrowding with other tall, fast-growing greens.

 

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za