How to Grow Emerald Green Velvet
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Emerald Green Velvet
Amaranthus tricolor 'Emerald Green Velvet'
vegetableEmerald Green Velvet is a stunning ornamental amaranth cultivar prized for its deep emerald green, velvety foliage with dramatic dark purple-red undersides and stems. This leafy green combines striking visual appeal with nutritional value, making it equally at home in ornamental gardens and edible landscapes. The tender leaves can be harvested and eaten fresh or cooked.
When should you plant Emerald Green Velvet in your zone?
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Example Emerald Green Velvet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Emerald Green Velvet
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 Emerald Green Velvet
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Emerald Green Velvet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as a warm-season annual in zones 2-11; prefers warm conditions and is frost-tender
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Get my Emerald Green Velvet timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with small cotyledons and develop their first true leaves within 7-10 days.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant rapidly develops dense, velvety emerald foliage with prominent purple-red stems and leaf undersides. Compact bushy growth pattern becomes evident.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant has 6-8 true leaves. Pinching the top growth encourages bushier development.
Leaf Production Peak
4-8 weeksPlant reaches full foliage density with maximum color intensity. Leaves are tender and most desirable for eating at this stage.
Continue regular harvesting to encourage ongoing leaf production. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if needed. Monitor for bolting in extreme heat.
Flowering
2-4 weeksSmall, inconspicuous reddish or purple flowers emerge in terminal panicles. This indicates the plant is shifting energy away from leaves.
Pinch off flower buds to extend the leaf-producing period. Some gardeners allow flowering for ornamental effect or seed production.
Seed Development & Decline
4-6 weeks until frost killPlant energy goes into seed production; foliage becomes less tender and more coarse. Growth slows as the plant approaches the end of its season.
If saving seeds, allow flowers to mature fully. Otherwise, remove spent plants to prevent volunteer seedlings or end the harvest cycle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Maintain humid conditions to deter.
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Use row covers on young plants; apply spinosad or neem oil. Remove plant debris where beetles overwinter.
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Remove affected leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Uses
Tender Leafy Green for Salads & Cooking
CulinaryYoung leaves of Emerald Green Velvet are tender and mild, perfect for fresh salads or lightly cooked as a spinach substitute. The velvety texture and mild flavor make it appealing to those new to amaranth greens. [source]
Cooked Greens & Stir-fries
CulinaryMature leaves can be sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stir-fries, providing a nutritious addition to cooked dishes. The purple-red stems add visual interest and a slightly earthy flavor. [source]
Nutrient-Rich Superfood
MedicinalAmaranth greens are exceptionally high in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Traditional medicine has valued amaranth for supporting overall health and vitality. [source]
Ornamental Foliage for Gardens & Arrangements
CraftThe striking emerald-and-burgundy foliage makes this plant a stunning ornamental accent in garden beds and mixed plantings. Branches can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements. [source]
Seed Source for Birds
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower and set seed, the plant provides valuable food for finches and other seed-eating birds during late summer and fall. [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 leaves when the plant is 6-8 inches tall (about 4-5 weeks after planting). Pinch or cut outer leaves from the bottom up, leaving the growing center intact for continued production. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and texture. Young, tender leaves are most desirable for eating. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and extends the productive season. Plants can produce for 8-12 weeks with consistent harvesting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Emerald Green Velvet's velvety texture comes from tiny fine hairs on the leaf surface, which also help reduce water loss and give the plant an iridescent quality in certain light.
- 🌱 Amaranth was sacred to the Aztecs and was used in ceremonial foods; today, it's experiencing a revival as a nutritional powerhouse and is considered one of the few complete plant proteins.
- 🌱 The dramatic color shift from emerald to deep burgundy intensifies with cooler temperatures and UV light exposure—planting in full sun and allowing slight temperature drops enhances the color display.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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