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How to Grow Indian Green

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Indian Green

Amaranthus viridis

vegetable

Indian Green, also known as slender amaranth or green amaranth, is a leafy vegetable popular in South Asian cuisine. The plant produces tender, nutrient-rich green leaves and stems that are harvested young for cooking. It thrives in warm climates and is known for its resilience and rapid growth.

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Example Indian Green timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Indian Green

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Indian Green

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Indian Green dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; requires regular watering during dry spells. Water at the base to reduce disease pressure.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 30-50
🌱
Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy loam soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost aged manure organic matter

Growing Zones

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Best in zones 9-11; can be grown as a summer annual in zones 3-8

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

1-2 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons within 5-10 days of planting.

Keep soil warm (70-85°F) and moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop true leaves.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops multiple sets of true leaves with a bushy appearance. Stems remain tender and green.

Water regularly and provide consistent sunlight. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushier growth.

3

Leaf Production

3-4 weeks

Plant reaches 12-24 inches tall with abundant tender leaves and shoots suitable for harvest.

Continue regular harvesting to maintain tenderness and prevent flowering. Provide fertilizer every 2-3 weeks with balanced NPK or nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

4

Flowering

2-3 weeks

If unharvested, plant develops small inconspicuous flowers in terminal spikes; leaves become tougher and more fibrous.

For best eating quality, harvest before flowering. If allowing seed production, let plants flower and mature fully.

5

Seed Production

3-4 weeks

Seeds develop in small dry fruits; plant may become woody and less palatable.

Allow plants to fully dry if seed saving is desired. Harvest seed heads when completely brown and dry.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Mint Coriander Tomato Cucumber Radish Beans

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Allelopathic plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations

  • Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil; ensure adequate moisture

  • Hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); remove affected leaves

  • Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil if needed

Uses

🍳

Leafy Green Vegetable

Culinary

Indian Green leaves and tender stems are lightly cooked or added to curries, stir-fries, and soups in Indian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Young leaves can also be eaten raw in salads when very tender. [source]

💊

Nutritional and Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals including iron, calcium, and magnesium. Used in traditional medicine for digestive health and as a nutritive tonic. [source]

🏠

Natural Dye

Household

The deep green leaves can be used to create natural green dyes for fabric and craft projects. [source]

🦋

Bird and Pollinator Food

Wildlife

Seeds attract finches and other seed-eating birds; flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. [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 and stem tips once the plant is 6-8 inches tall, approximately 30-40 days after planting. Pinch off tender young leaves and growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and maintain tenderness. Harvest in the early morning for best flavor and texture. The entire plant can be harvested and chopped when young (before flowering), or leaves can be picked continuously for up to 2-3 months. Plants become less palatable once flowering begins.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Indian Green (Amaranthus viridis) is an ancient crop with a 7,000+ year history, valued for both its highly nutritious leaves and seeds across Asia and Africa.
  • 🌱 The plant is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil conditions where other vegetables struggle, making it an excellent choice for sustainable and resilient gardening.
  • 🌱 Unlike many leafy greens, amaranth leaves can be harvested continuously for months without replanting, with new growth emerging after each harvest when managed properly.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun True Leaves
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