How to Grow African Spinach Purple King
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African Spinach Purple King
Amaranthus gangeticus
vegetableAfrican Spinach Purple King is a heat-loving leafy green with deep purple-tinged foliage and tender, nutritious leaves. Also known as Chinese spinach or amaranth greens, it thrives in warm conditions and produces abundantly throughout the growing season. This variety is prized for its ornamental purple coloring combined with excellent culinary qualities.
When should you plant African Spinach Purple King in your zone?
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Example African Spinach Purple King timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant African Spinach Purple King
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 Purple King
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Spinach Purple King dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as a summer annual in zones 5-8
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Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge with true leaves following. Purple coloring begins to develop on leaf undersides.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly larger, purple-tinged leaves. Purple coloring deepens as plant matures.
Water consistently and feed with balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Remove any flower buds if you prefer more tender leaves.
Leaf Development & Harvest Ready
Ongoing, 3-8+ weeksPlant reaches 12-24 inches tall with abundant purple-tinged leaves suitable for harvesting. Some flowering may begin.
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Continue regular watering and feeding.
Flowering
2-4 weeksSmall, inconspicuous flowers develop on terminal spikes. Leaves may become coarser and less tender.
Harvest before heavy flowering for best flavor and texture. Pinch off flower spikes if you want to extend the leafy stage.
Seed Production
2-3 weeksIf allowed to mature, small seeds develop. Plant may decline in leaf quality.
Allow to mature only if you want to save seeds. Otherwise, remove flowering shoots or pull plant.
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves by hand. Use neem oil or spinosad spray. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
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Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial predators.
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
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Increase humidity and water spray foliage. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce parasitic wasps like Encarsia formosa.
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryYoung leaves are eaten fresh in salads or cooked like spinach in stir-fries, soups, and curries. The tender leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. High in vitamins A, C, and minerals including iron and calcium. [source]
Traditional African & Asian Cooking
CulinaryWidely used in African and Asian cuisines as a cooked green vegetable. Commonly prepared in West African stews and soups. Adds nutritional value and vibrant color to traditional dishes. [source]
Nutritional & Medicinal Properties
MedicinalRich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and bioactive compounds. Used in traditional medicine for various health benefits. High in magnesium and potassium which support cardiovascular health. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe purple pigmentation (betalains and anthocyanins) can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts. Offers sustainable, eco-friendly coloring alternatives. [source]
Beneficial Insect Attraction
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, the small blooms attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Seeds from mature plants are eaten by birds. [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 8-10 inches tall, typically 40-50 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the outside in, leaving the growing center intact. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering. Young, tender leaves are most flavorful. Can be harvested repeatedly for 8-12+ weeks. Morning harvest yields crispest leaves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 African Spinach is not actually a true spinach (Spinacia oleracea) but an amaranth—a completely different plant family, making it heat-tolerant where true spinach would bolt.
- 🌱 The purple coloring comes from betalain pigments, the same compounds found in beets, which are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
- 🌱 This plant is a staple in African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines for centuries and is sometimes called 'callaloo,' 'Chinese spinach,' or 'elephant leaf' depending on the region.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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