How to Grow Green Amaranth (Egyptian Spinach)
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Green Amaranth (Egyptian Spinach)
Amaranthus tricolor
vegetableGreen Amaranth, also known as Egyptian Spinach or Tampala, is a fast-growing leafy green with vibrant, tender foliage used as a cooked or fresh green. It thrives in warm weather and produces nutritious leaves rich in vitamins and minerals. This heat-loving plant is far easier to grow than traditional spinach in hot climates.
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Example Green Amaranth (Egyptian Spinach) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Green Amaranth (Egyptian 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 Green Amaranth (Egyptian Spinach)
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11, performing exceptionally well in zones 5-10 where warm season is long
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Seedling
1-2 weeksSmall seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 5-7 days of germination. Plants are delicate and bright green.
Keep soil warm (70-85°F optimal) and moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early to avoid crowding. Protect from cold winds and frost.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid expansion of leafy growth with increasingly larger, tender leaves. Plant develops robust stem structure and deepens in color (green to sometimes red/purple tinges depending on variety).
Maintain consistent moisture and warm temperatures. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall. Provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Peak Harvest
2-4 weeksPlant reaches optimal size with abundant tender leaves at peak nutrition and flavor. Leaf size ranges from 2-6 inches depending on variety and growing conditions.
Harvest regularly and frequently to encourage continued tender leaf production and delay flowering. Remove flower buds as they appear if growing for leaves only. Water consistently.
Flowering/Seeding
2-3 weeksPlant sends up flower spikes with small flowers arranged in dense panicles. Leaves become tougher and less palatable as energy shifts to seed production.
For leaf production, remove flower buds to extend harvest. If saving seed, allow plants to flower fully and dry on plant. Stop regular harvesting in this stage.
Seed Maturity
1-2 weeksFlowers dry completely and develop seeds. Plant may show stress or senescence. Seeds are small, shiny, and easily collected from dried seed heads.
Allow plants to fully dry if seed saving is the goal. Collect seed heads when completely dry and brittle. Clean and store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers on young seedlings; apply neem oil or pyrethrin sprays; encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe
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Hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); use row covers; encourage parasitoid wasps
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Uses
Cooked Greens & Sautés
CulinaryGreen Amaranth leaves are commonly cooked like spinach, used in stir-fries, soups, curries, and sautéed as a side dish. The tender leaves have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and become silky when cooked. [source]
Fresh Salads
CulinaryVery young, tender leaves can be used fresh in salads, though they are more commonly cooked. Raw leaves have a slightly earthy flavor and delicate texture. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalGreen Amaranth is exceptionally high in vitamins A, C, and K, minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium, and contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and African medicine to support digestive health. [source]
Seeds for Grains
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. They can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as a grain. The seeds are naturally gluten-free. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Food
WildlifeIf allowed to flower and seed, Green Amaranth attracts pollinators and provides seeds for birds and beneficial insects. The flowering plants are attractive to bees and beneficial wasps. [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, leaving the growing center intact for continued production. Pinch off tender leaf tips for most tender greens. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting (every 2-3 days) encourages more tender growth and delays flowering. Plants can be harvested continuously for 4-8 weeks. For maximum tenderness, harvest leaves when 2-4 inches long. Cut entire plant at ground level for bulk harvesting, and it may regrow for a second harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Green Amaranth is an ancient grain crop that was sacred to the Aztecs and has been cultivated for over 8,000 years in Mesoamerica and Africa. It was so important that the Spanish conquistadors tried to suppress its cultivation during colonization.
- 🌱 Amaranth leaves contain more calcium than milk (gram for gram) and are considered a 'superfood' in many African and Asian cuisines, where it's known by numerous regional names including Mchicha, Telera, and Calaloo.
- 🌱 Unlike many leafy greens, Green Amaranth actually becomes more nutritious when cooked, as heat breaks down oxalic acid and makes minerals like iron and calcium more bioavailable for human absorption.
Gardening Terms
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