How to Grow African Spinach Inca Red
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African Spinach Inca Red
Amaranthus cruentus
vegetableAfrican Spinach Inca Red is a nutrient-dense leafy green with deep red-burgundy stems and veins, belonging to the amaranth family. Both the leaves and grain-like seeds are edible, making it a dual-purpose crop. This heat-loving plant is highly productive and tolerates poor soil conditions better than conventional spinach.
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Example African Spinach Inca Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant African Spinach Inca Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest African Spinach Inca Red
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Spinach Inca Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as annual in zones 3-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons, developing first true leaves with faint red pigmentation
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly prominent red-burgundy coloration. Leaves become larger and fuller with characteristic deep red veining.
Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks or side-dress with compost. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.
Leaf Harvest
4-6 weeksPlant reaches 12-18 inches with abundant harvestable leaves while still in active growth mode
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Harvest in morning when leaves are crisp. Remove leaves from base upward, leaving growing tip intact.
Flowering
2-3 weeksDeep red plume-like flower heads (panicles) emerge from the top of the plant, distinctive and ornamental
If harvesting leaves only, remove flowering heads to redirect energy back to foliage production. If saving seed, allow flowers to fully develop and begin to dry.
Seed Production & Maturity
3-4 weeksFlowering panicles dry down and produce abundant tiny seeds. Plant yellows and growth slows as energy focuses on seed development.
Stop harvesting leaves. Reduce watering slightly. Allow panicles to fully dry on plant. Harvest seed heads when completely dry and brittle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity and spray with water; use neem oil or sulfur spray; predatory mites can help
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Hand-pick; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); use row covers on young plants
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Remove affected leaves; spray with neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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Hand-pick; use row covers; apply spinosad if infestation is severe
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryYoung leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals including iron, calcium, and magnesium, making them a superior nutritional alternative to common spinach. [source]
Edible Seed Grain
CulinaryThe tiny seeds can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as a grain. They are complete proteins containing all essential amino acids, making amaranth a valuable staple crop. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalAmaranth has been used in traditional medicine across Africa and Asia to treat inflammation, regulate digestion, and support cardiovascular health. The leaves contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Natural Food Dye
HouseholdThe deep red pigmentation can be extracted to create natural dyes for textiles and foods. The betalain and anthocyanin pigments in red varieties like Inca Red produce vibrant burgundy and red hues. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Food
WildlifeThe flower heads attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Ripened seeds are excellent food for birds and beneficial insects, making this plant valuable for ecosystem support. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For leaf harvest: Pick outer leaves regularly once plant is 8-10 inches tall, leaving the center growing point intact for continuous production. Leaves are best harvested in the morning when crisp. For seed: Allow flowers to fully mature and dry on the plant, then harvest entire seed heads and dry further indoors before threshing. Young leaves are tender and mild; older leaves develop stronger flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple food of the Aztecs and Incas, considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies. It was nearly lost after Spanish colonization but has experienced a global revival due to its exceptional nutritional profile.
- 🌱 African Spinach Inca Red can produce over 60,000 seeds per plant, making it one of the most prolific seed-producing vegetables in home gardens. A single plant can provide both fresh greens for months and enough seeds for next year's crop.
- 🌱 Unlike true spinach (Spinacia oleracea), amaranth greens contain no oxalic acid, making them safer for people concerned about kidney stones and allowing for better calcium absorption in the body.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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