How to Grow African Red Spinach
Wikimedia Commons
African Red Spinach
Amaranthus hybridus subsp. cruentus
vegetableAfrican Red Spinach is a heat-loving leafy green with deep red-purple foliage and a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to conventional spinach. It's highly nutritious, drought-tolerant, and thrives in warm climates where traditional spinach struggles. The plant produces both edible leaves and grain-like seed heads rich in protein.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant African Red Spinach in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example African Red Spinach timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant African Red Spinach
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest African Red Spinach
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Red Spinach dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as summer annual in zones 3-8
Sign up free to see if African Red Spinach grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my African Red Spinach timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 cotyledons and first true leaves emerging; very delicate
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Protect from strong wind and temperature fluctuations.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and increasingly large, deeply colored red-purple leaves. Foliage becomes dense and bushy; height reaches 12-18 inches
Maintain consistent moisture. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any flowering shoots if you want to extend leaf production.
Flowering/Grain Development
3-4 weeksPlant produces elongated, dense flower/seed head spikes in deep red or purple tones at the top of stems. Individual flowers are tiny and clustered.
Allow the seed head to fully develop if harvesting grains. Continue harvesting outer leaves. Water consistently as seed development is water-intensive. The plant can reach 3-5 feet tall at this stage.
Seed Maturity
2-3 weeksSeed heads become dry and brittle with a papery texture. Seeds are tiny (1-2mm), cream-colored, and loosely held in the dried flower head.
Once seed heads are completely dry (after first frost or naturally in dry climates), harvest entire heads. Dry further indoors before threshing to extract seeds.
Senescence
Variable with climatePlant yellows and dies back naturally as temperatures cool or frost approaches; stems become woody and brittle
Harvest any remaining edible leaves before hard freeze. Leave plant standing to allow seed maturation and drying if collecting seeds. Remove spent plants to prevent volunteer seedlings.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or spinosad spray. Dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth. Remove weeds which harbor adults.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
-
Hand-pick if populations are low. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray. Apply neem oil. Remove plant debris where pupae overwinter.
-
Increase humidity via misting in hot, dry conditions. Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Use neem oil. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
-
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Apply neem oil. Encourage natural predators.
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryAfrican Red Spinach leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach in stir-fries, soups, and curries. The leaves are milder than conventional spinach and become tender when cooked. [source]
Grain and Seed Use
CulinaryThe tiny seeds from mature seed heads can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as a gluten-free whole grain. Seeds are exceptionally protein-rich and nutritious. [source]
Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Traditionally used in African and Asian medicine to support blood health and overall vitality. [source]
Natural Dye
HouseholdThe deep red-purple pigments in leaves and seed heads can be used to create natural dyes for fabric and craft projects, yielding beautiful red and purple hues. [source]
Bird and Pollinator Food
WildlifeSeed heads left standing attract finches and other seed-eating birds. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators before seed development, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, continuing to pick outer leaves as new ones emerge from the center (cut-and-come-again method). Harvest in early morning for best tenderness. For seed heads, allow them to fully dry on the plant, then cut entire heads and dry indoors. Thresh dried heads by rubbing between palms or in a cloth bag to release seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 African Red Spinach is far more heat and drought-tolerant than conventional spinach, making it ideal for climate change adaptation and water-scarce regions.
- 🌱 The seeds of amaranth are so tiny (about 1mm) that 1 pound contains approximately 50,000 seeds, and they were a staple grain of the Aztecs before colonization.
- 🌱 The plant is called 'red spinach' though it's not a true spinach; it's actually in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), but earned its common name due to similar culinary uses and appearance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized African Red Spinach planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start African Red Spinach seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my African Red Spinach timeline →