- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
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Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 40–63 days
Family: Amaranthaceae
Native: Asia
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall; varieties grown for grain can get 3' or more.
Variety Info: Medium green oval leaves with burgundy red stems and centers. Looks a bit like coleus.
Attributes: Heat Tolerant, Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date; however, grows fastest when temperatures are warm. Soil temperature for germination should be at least 55°F, ideally 68°–75°F.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow in biodegradable pots; roots sensitive to disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 5 – 15 days
Seed Depth: 1/8"-1/4"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"
Row Spacing: 12"
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: FOLIAGE: Young leaves have a milder flavor than mature leaves. However, leaves are edible before plant blooms, between 7 and 9 weeks. The iron content of the plant doubles between the 7th and 9th week. SEED: Wait until seeds are mature and dry. Pull up plant and hang upside down in a warm, dry place; when completely dry, shake seed heads into paper bag. Seeds should be stored in an airtight container. One square yard of amaranth can produce 2 pounds of seed!
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Heat-Tolerant Lettuces and Other Greens- Freda T.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/17/245 Stars
Have not planted yet but seeds were packed well. Will buy again.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Katherine B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/4/245 Stars
The seeds popped up and grew well. and greens were good.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Norman L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/9/245 Stars
I was impressed with the packaging and quality of the seeds, as well as the selection, description, and planting instructions. I am unable to provide pictures as of yet, because the plants were nearly completely eaten by earwigs and pill bugs. This was my fault, not the quality or viability of the seeds, as I had made a mistake at the beginning of the season in incorporating dry leaves into the soil -- an action which I learned later prohibited any good growth of garden plants. The leaves had not had time to decompose, and they attracted the type of insects which are natural decomposers! These same insects love to eat fresh tender seedlings as well -- perhaps even more so! It wasn't until I partially remedied the situation by treating with Sluggo Plus that the plants began to recover from the insect damage. They are starting to look better, but not good enough for a picture yet!
I am looking forward to watching them grow. They look like they will be beautiful, and useful plants!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/30/24Hey Norman, Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope you have better luck next time! We're looking forward to seeing the photos! Keep on growing 🌻️
- YENVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5/9/225 Stars
Thank you so much! Red Leaf Amaranth is a wonderful Edible plant to have .
- DonnaVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5/9/225 Stars
I've grown this amaranth for a number of years & have been very pleased with everything about it. Easy to grow & I get at least 3 cuttings from it since the plants regrow quickly after cutting bunches. It makes very tasty cooked greens like spinach & it freezes well. This amaranth likes the heat so is good to plant in a place after an earlier veggie is done & I've found it's slow to bolt to seed, unlike spinach. Also it's very pretty growing with it's red & green leaves.