How to Grow Burgundy Blotch Amaranth
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Burgundy Blotch Amaranth
Amaranthus tricolor
vegetableBurgundy Blotch is a striking ornamental and edible amaranth variety featuring deep green leaves with distinctive burgundy-red blotches and veining. The plant grows as an upright annual with colorful foliage used both as a decorative accent and nutritious leafy green. It combines visual appeal with culinary versatility, making it popular in decorative vegetable gardens.
When should you plant Burgundy Blotch Amaranth 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 Burgundy Blotch Amaranth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Blotch 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 Burgundy Blotch Amaranth
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burgundy Blotch Amaranth dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best in warm-season zones 5-9 where temperatures stay above 50°F
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Get my Burgundy Blotch Amaranth timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny plants emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing; foliage begins showing faint burgundy coloring
Maintain consistent moisture; thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall; provide bright light to prevent leggy growth
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops 4-6 true leaves with increasingly pronounced burgundy blotching and veining; stem thickens and darkens
Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; mulch around base to retain moisture; pinch growing tips to encourage bushier form if desired
Leaf Production Peak
20-40 daysPlant reaches 12-24 inches tall with vibrant burgundy-blotched foliage at maximum color intensity; leaves are tender and flavorful
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production; maintain consistent watering; watch for pests and disease
Flowering
15-25 daysUpright flower spikes develop at stem tips, with small reddish or burgundy flowers appearing; plant continues producing harvestable leaves
Continue harvesting leaves below flower spikes; support tall plants if windy; allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired
Seed Maturity
10-20 daysFlower spikes dry and harden; tiny black seeds develop within flowers; foliage quality declines
Allow spikes to fully dry on plant; harvest seed heads when dry and brittle; store seeds in cool, dry conditions
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticides; maintain plant vigor through proper watering
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Handpick in early morning; create barriers with crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth; remove debris that provides hiding spots
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Ensure good air circulation; water at soil level, not overhead; remove affected leaves; apply copper fungicide if needed
Uses
Leafy Salad Green & Cooking
CulinaryYoung, tender Burgundy Blotch leaves add striking visual appeal and mild, spinach-like flavor to fresh salads, stir-fries, and sautéed dishes. The leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them both nutritious and delicious when harvested young. [source]
Seeds as Ancient Grain
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, and can be cooked as a grain side dish, popped like popcorn, or ground into flour for baking. This makes Burgundy Blotch an excellent dual-purpose plant for both greens and grain production. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalBurgundy Blotch amaranth leaves are traditionally used in herbal medicine for their high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like calcium and iron. The plant is reputed to have anti-inflammatory and blood-building properties. [source]
Natural Food Coloring
HouseholdThe striking burgundy pigments in Burgundy Blotch leaves can be extracted and used as a natural food dye or plant-based coloring agent for various culinary applications. [source]
Ornamental Garden Accent
CraftWith its vibrant burgundy-blotched foliage and tall growth habit, Burgundy Blotch amaranth serves as a striking ornamental plant in decorative vegetable gardens, flower arrangements, and landscape designs without sacrificing edibility. [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, using a cut-and-come-again method that encourages continued growth. Pinch leaves gently from the stem or use clean scissors. Harvest regularly for tender, flavorful leaves. Leaves are most tender and colorful in early morning. For seeds, allow flower spikes to fully dry on the plant, then harvest entire spikes and dry further indoors; thresh to collect seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burgundy Blotch amaranth is also known as Joseph's Coat amaranth due to its multicolored foliage, referencing the biblical coat of many colors.
- 🌱 Amaranth is an ancient crop that was a staple food of the Aztecs and has been cultivated for over 8,000 years; it was historically considered so nutritious that it was used in sacred ceremonies.
- 🌱 The plant is remarkably heat and drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for climate-resilient gardens and hot, challenging growing conditions.
Gardening Terms
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