How to Grow Chinese Red Spinach
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Chinese Red Spinach
Amaranthus tricolor
vegetableChinese Red Spinach, also known as Amaranth or Joseph's Coat, is a vibrant leafy vegetable with striking red, pink, and yellow variegated foliage. The tender leaves are edible and nutritious, used in Asian cuisines for stir-fries and soups. It thrives in warm conditions and grows quickly, making it ideal for summer gardens.
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Example Chinese Red Spinach timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chinese Red Spinach
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 Chinese Red Spinach
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Red Spinach dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as a warm-season annual; best in zones 6-10
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Get my Chinese Red Spinach timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny green shoots emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves). First true leaves begin to show hints of color.
Keep soil moist; provide bright light if indoors; thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant rapidly develops stems and foliage; distinctive red, pink, and yellow variegation becomes prominent on leaves. Leaves grow larger and bushier.
Water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; pinch back top growth to encourage bushier plants; monitor for pests
Leaf Development & Harvest Ready
3-4 weeksPlant reaches harvestable size with abundant colorful leaves. Outer leaves are mature and tender; plant continues producing new leaves from center.
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth; maintain consistent moisture; apply light fertilizer weekly
Flowering
2-3 weeksTall spikes with small red or yellow flowers develop at the plant's center and along stems. Foliage may become slightly tougher.
Continue harvesting leaves if desired, though they become coarser; allow flowering for seed production if saving seeds; reduce watering slightly
Seed Production
2-3 weeksFlowers mature into small seeds contained in dry seedheads. Plant may decline in vigor.
Stop harvesting; allow seedheads to fully dry if saving seeds; cut entire plant and dry upside down in warm, airy location
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; maintain plant vigor
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Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; remove affected leaves; encourage natural predators
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Increase humidity through regular misting; spray neem oil; use insecticidal soap; avoid overhead watering at night
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Spray strong water stream to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil; increase air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
Uses
Stir-fries and Asian Cuisine
CulinaryChinese Red Spinach's tender leaves are popular in Asian cooking, particularly in stir-fries, soups, and curries. The mild, slightly sweet flavor and quick-cooking texture make it a versatile leafy green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to dishes. [source]
Fresh Salads and Raw Consumption
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves can be used raw in salads for their nutritional density and striking appearance. The colorful foliage adds visual appeal and a mild flavor to fresh green salads. [source]
Traditional Medicine and Nutrition
MedicinalChinese Red Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. In traditional Asian medicine, it has been used to support digestive health, boost immunity, and address nutritional deficiencies. [source]
Seed Production and Grain
CulinaryWhen allowed to mature fully, Amaranth produces nutritious seeds that can be harvested and used as a gluten-free grain. The seeds are high in protein and can be popped like popcorn or ground into flour. [source]
Natural Dye and Ornamental Appeal
HouseholdThe vibrant red and pink foliage can be used to create natural dyes for textiles. The striking variegated colors also make it a decorative addition to ornamental vegetable gardens and landscape plantings. [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, typically 30-40 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from outside of plant, leaving inner growth tip intact to promote continued production. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering. Tender young leaves are best; harvest before plant flowers for optimal texture. Can be harvested continuously for 6-8 weeks in suitable conditions. Cut entire plant at soil level for final harvest, or allow to mature for seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese Red Spinach is not actually spinach but rather Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor), also called Joseph's Coat because of its multicolored foliage that resembles the biblical coat of many colors.
- 🌱 Amaranth seeds were a staple grain of the Aztecs and can be popped like popcorn or ground into flour; the plant has been cultivated for over 8,000 years in Central and South America and Asia.
- 🌱 A single Amaranth plant can produce thousands of tiny seeds, making it highly productive; the foliage is so nutrient-dense that it can be dried and stored for later use as a nutritious powder or supplement.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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