How to Grow Chinese Spinach
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Chinese Spinach
Amaranthus tricolor
vegetableChinese spinach, also known as amaranth or Joseph's coat, is a heat-loving leafy green with vibrant red, yellow, and green foliage that is both ornamental and edible. The tender leaves have a mild flavor similar to spinach and are rich in nutrients. It thrives in warm weather and produces abundant foliage throughout the growing season.
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Example Chinese Spinach timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chinese 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 Spinach
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Spinach dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones 3-5
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Get my Chinese Spinach timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks with characteristic coloring beginning to show
Keep soil moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves emerge to prevent overcrowding
Vegetative Growth
20-40 daysPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly colorful foliage in shades of red, yellow, and green depending on variety; leaves expand rapidly
Water consistently; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; pinch off flower buds if harvesting only leaves to encourage leaf production
Leaf Expansion
15-30 daysMature leaves reach full size and develop intense coloration; plant becomes bushy and dense with harvestable foliage
Begin regular leaf harvesting to encourage continued growth; maintain consistent moisture; continue feeding monthly for vigorous growth
Flowering
20-40 daysSmall, inconspicuous flowers develop in terminal spikes; foliage may start to toughen as plant matures and focuses energy on seed production
Remove flower buds if prioritizing tender leaf production; allow flowers if saving seeds; reduce watering slightly
Seed Production & Decline
30+ daysPlant produces small seeds in clusters; older leaves may yellow or become tough; ornamental appeal may diminish as plant focuses on reproduction
Harvest seeds when dry and brown; allow to fully mature if collecting seeds for next year; pull plant when productivity declines
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; maintain consistent watering
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Hand-pick larger caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); use row covers on young plants
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; improve air circulation
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and
Hand-pick at night; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage predatory beetles
Uses
Leafy Green Vegetable
CulinaryChinese spinach leaves are eaten fresh in salads or cooked like spinach in stir-fries, soups, and side dishes. The tender young leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used interchangeably with regular spinach in most recipes. [source]
Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalChinese spinach is exceptionally high in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber, making it beneficial for bone health, immune function, and digestive health. Traditional Chinese medicine uses amaranth greens to promote circulation and treat digestive issues. [source]
Seed Harvest
CulinaryThe small seeds produced by amaranth are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids and can be ground into flour, popped like popcorn, or added to grains and baked goods. [source]
Ornamental Foliage Plant
OrnamentalThe vibrant red, yellow, and green variegated foliage makes Chinese spinach an attractive addition to ornamental gardens, containers, and mixed plantings. The plant is often grown as much for its aesthetic appeal as for food production. [source]
Bird and Pollinator Food
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower and seed, Chinese spinach provides nutritious seeds for birds and attracts bees and other pollinators. The seeds can also be left for self-seeding in future seasons. [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 for tender, young greens. Pinch or cut leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth and continuous production. Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and fully hydrated. For best flavor, harvest leaves before flowering. Plants can provide continuous harvests for 2-3 months with proper picking.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) was revered by the Aztecs as a sacred grain and continues to be a staple in many Asian cuisines today.
- 🌱 The plant's name 'amaranthus' comes from the Greek word meaning 'unwilting' or 'immortal' because the flowers retain their color even after drying.
- 🌱 Chinese spinach is drought-tolerant and extremely heat-loving, actually thriving in conditions that would cause regular spinach to bolt and become bitter.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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