How to Grow African Spinach Red Amaranth
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African Spinach Red Amaranth
Amaranthus cruentus
vegetableAfrican Spinach Red Amaranth is a heat-loving annual crop valued for its nutritious, tender leaves and dramatic deep red foliage. Also known as red amaranth or Chinese spinach, it produces vibrant crimson edible leaves and striking flower panicles. This fast-growing plant thrives in warm climates and is a staple in African, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines.
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Example African Spinach Red Amaranth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant African Spinach Red Amaranth
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 Red Amaranth
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Spinach Red Amaranth dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-12; can be grown as a warm-season annual in zones 3-8
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Seedling
7-10 daysTiny seedlings emerge with oval cotyledons; first true leaves appear small and bright green with hints of red coloring.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative
20-35 daysPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly prominent red-tinged leaves. Foliage becomes fuller and more vibrant in color.
Begin light harvesting of outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall. Provide consistent water and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage leaf production.
Flowering
15-30 daysTerminal flower spikes appear in shades of deep red or burgundy, extending upward from the plant canopy.
Continue harvesting leaves below flowering spikes. Pinch off flower buds if prioritizing leaf harvest over seed production. Maintain consistent watering.
Seed Development
20-30 daysFlowers develop into dense grain-bearing seed heads packed with tiny, nutritious amaranth seeds.
Stop harvesting leaves to allow energy to go to seed maturation. Reduce watering slightly. Watch for late-season pests.
Maturity/Harvest
Ongoing harvest periodSeed heads dry and turn brown; seeds become hard and fall easily from seed heads when rubbed.
Harvest seed heads when nearly dry but before seeds shatter. Cut entire panicles and dry indoors for 2-3 weeks before threshing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad spray; encourage predatory insects
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Hand pull nearby amaranth relatives; mulch heavily; avoid contaminating soil with seeds
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Pick off by hand; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); use neem oil spray
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Increase humidity; spray water on foliage; use insecticidal soap if severe
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Water at soil level only; thin crowded plants for air circulation; remove affected leaves
Uses
Nutritious leafy green
CulinaryThe tender leaves are cooked like spinach in soups, stir-fries, and sautés, or eaten raw in salads when very young. Red amaranth leaves provide a mild, slightly earthy flavor with dramatic color that adds visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Whole grain production
CulinaryThe tiny seeds are popped like popcorn, ground into flour for baking, or cooked as a porridge-like grain. Amaranth grain is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. [source]
Nutritional supplementation
MedicinalAmaranth leaves are exceptionally high in vitamins A, C, folate, and minerals including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Traditionally used in African and Asian traditional medicine to support blood health and reduce inflammation. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdThe deep red pigments in leaves and seed heads can be extracted to create natural dyes for fabric and crafts, yielding shades from burgundy to deep purple. [source]
Pollinator and bird food
WildlifeThe abundant flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Seeds feed finches and other wild birds, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. [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 reaches 6-8 inches tall, about 30-40 days after planting. Pinch off top 2-3 inches for bushier growth and continuous production. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and tenderness. For seed harvest, cut entire panicles when dry and hang to cure indoors, then thresh by hand or rubbing between palms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 African Spinach Red Amaranth was sacred to the Aztecs, who cultivated it over 8,000 years ago and called it 'huautli,' believing it had supernatural powers.
- 🌱 The leaves contain oxalic acid; light boiling before eating removes most oxalates and makes minerals like calcium and iron more bioavailable to the human body.
- 🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce 40,000-60,000 tiny seeds, making it one of the most prolific seed producers in the plant kingdom—a seed head no larger than a grain of rice contains hundreds of nutritious seeds.
Gardening Terms
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