How to Grow Bloodstone Improved
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Bloodstone Improved
Amaranthus gangeticus
vegetableBloodstone Improved is a leafy amaranth variety prized for its deep red and purple foliage with striking blood-red veining. It produces edible leaves that can be harvested young for salads or cooked as a nutritious green. This ornamental-edible hybrid offers both visual appeal and culinary value in the garden.
When should you plant Bloodstone Improved in your zone?
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Example Bloodstone Improved timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bloodstone Improved
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 Bloodstone Improved
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bloodstone Improved dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10; best in warm zones 6-9
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny red-tinged cotyledons emerge within 5-10 days. Early leaves develop distinctive reddish coloring.
Keep soil warm (70-85°F) and moist. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once true leaves appear. Provide bright light.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly deep red and purple foliage. Leaves become larger and more ornamental.
Water consistently, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Remove any competing weeds. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness.
Leaf Expansion
2-3 weeksPlant reaches harvestable size (8-12 inches tall) with full, vibrant red-veined leaves ready for picking.
Begin selective leaf harvesting from the bottom. Maintain consistent moisture and warm temperatures. Continue light fertilizing.
Flowering
2-4 weeksTall flower spikes develop with red or reddish-purple flowers at the top of the plant.
Can harvest leaves during flowering but quality declines. Pinch off flowers if you want to extend leaf production. Allow some to flower for seed saving.
Seed Production & Maturity
3-4 weeksFlowers mature into seed heads containing thousands of small black seeds.
Allow seed heads to dry fully on the plant if saving seeds. Cut and hang-dry in a paper bag. Plant will decline after seed set.
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; attract beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); remove plant debris
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Leafy Green & Salads
CulinaryYoung tender leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Older leaves are best sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stews. Milder flavor than many greens with slight earthy undertones. [source]
Seeds for Grain
CulinaryThe mature seeds contain complete protein with all essential amino acids and can be popped like popcorn or ground into flour. High in calcium, magnesium, and iron. [source]
Nutritional & Immune Support
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support digestive and immune health. [source]
Garden Ornament & Cut Flower
OrnamentalThe deep red and purple foliage with striking veining makes it an attractive ornamental plant. Flower spikes can be dried for floral arrangements and dried bouquets. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Support
WildlifeFlowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Mature seed heads are a food source for birds in fall and winter. [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, about 50 days after sowing. Pinch off leaves from the bottom and side stems to encourage bushier growth. Harvest young leaves for tender texture and sweeter flavor. Can cut entire plant 2-3 inches above soil for regrowth. Best harvested in cool morning hours. Continue harvesting until flowering stage or first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bloodstone Improved is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of use dating back over 8,000 years in Central America and Asia.
- 🌱 The vibrant red coloring in Bloodstone foliage comes from betalains, the same pigments that give beets their color, and these compounds have potent antioxidant properties.
- 🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce over 60,000 seeds, making it an extremely productive crop for seed saving and allowing it to naturalize readily in warm climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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