How to Grow Green Velvet
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Green Velvet
Amaranthus tricolor 'Green Velvet'
vegetableGreen Velvet is a stunning ornamental amaranth variety prized for its deep emerald-green, velvety textured foliage that creates dramatic visual impact in gardens. The plant produces edible leaves with a mild, spinach-like flavor and is commonly used as a leafy green vegetable. It combines aesthetic appeal with culinary versatility, making it popular in both ornamental and edible gardens.
When should you plant Green Velvet in your zone?
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Example Green Velvet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant 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 Green Velvet
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Green Velvet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Annual grown in zones 2-11; thrives in warm-season gardens (zones 5-10)
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Get my Green Velvet timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling (germination to 2 true leaves)
7-10 daysTiny green seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very delicate at this stage
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light; avoid overwatering which causes damping-off; thin crowded seedlings
Vegetative (2 true leaves to 8+ inches tall)
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves; foliage deepens in color and becomes increasingly velvety; plant grows rapidly in warm weather
Thin seedlings to proper spacing; begin light fertilizing every 2 weeks; maintain consistent moisture; ensure full sun exposure for best color development
Mature Growth (8+ inches to flowering)
2-4 weeksPlant reaches full size with dense, deeply colored velvety foliage; leaves are at peak tenderness and flavor for harvesting
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage bushiness; maintain moisture and nutrition; watch for pests; continue light feeding
Flowering (flower initiation)
4-6 weeks (variable; can be extended)Plant begins producing small greenish-yellow flower spikes; leaves may become slightly tougher and less desirable for eating
Pinch off flower spikes to extend leaf production; older plants can be allowed to flower for seed production if desired
Seed Development & End of Season
4-8 weeksSeeds mature; plant vigor declines as energy goes to reproduction; foliage may yellow or decline in quality
Harvest seed heads if saving seeds; otherwise compost plant; collect seeds when dry and papery
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; neem oil; diatomaceous earth; reflective mulches; encourage beneficial insects
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; sulfur; miticides if severe
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Hand-pick; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); neem oil; encourage predatory birds and wasps
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulches
Uses
Leafy Green Vegetable
CulinaryGreen Velvet leaves are edible with a mild, slightly sweet, spinach-like flavor. They can be eaten raw in salads when young and tender, or cooked like spinach in stir-fries, soups, and sautés. Rich in minerals and vitamins. [source]
Tender Shoots & Microgreens
CulinaryYoung seedlings and tender shoots can be harvested as microgreens and used as garnishes or salad additions for a delicate, nutritious boost. [source]
Garden Ornament & Landscape Design
OrnamentalThe striking deep emerald-green, velvety foliage makes Green Velvet an excellent ornamental plant for borders, containers, and mixed plantings. Creates visual contrast with lighter-colored plants. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalAmaranth greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium, iron, and magnesium. Traditional use in various cultures for supporting overall nutrition and wellness. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower and set seed, Green Velvet provides food for birds and attracts pollinators, benefiting the broader garden ecosystem. [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 8+ inches tall and leaves are tender; pinch or scissors-cut outer leaves to promote bushier growth and continued production. Harvest regularly (2-3 times per week) for best tenderness. Young leaves are more tender and flavorful. Continue harvesting until plant flowers heavily or season ends. Can be harvested as baby greens (30-35 days) or mature leaves (45-60+ days).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple grain of the Aztecs and is still widely cultivated in Latin America, India, and Africa for both leaves and seeds.
- 🌱 The velvety texture of Green Velvet leaves is due to fine, dense leaf surface structures that enhance the plant's visual appeal and contribute to its ornamental value.
- 🌱 All parts of the Green Velvet plant are edible—leaves, stems, and seeds—making it an exceptionally productive home garden crop.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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