How to Grow Palette
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Palette
Amaranthus tricolor
flowerPalette is a striking ornamental amaranth prized for its vibrant, multicolored foliage that resembles an artist's palette. The plant features dramatic leaves in shades of red, yellow, orange, and green, creating a bold visual display in gardens and containers. It's a tender annual that thrives in warm weather and adds tropical flair to any landscape.
When should you plant Palette in your zone?
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Example Palette timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Palette
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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First Palette blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Palette dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones 2-8 after last frost
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with simple green leaves emerge within 7-14 days. Cotyledons are narrow and elongated.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and the characteristic multicolored leaves begin to emerge. Initial foliage is mostly green with hints of color.
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Water regularly and apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.
Color Development
2-4 weeksLeaves intensify in color, displaying vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and greens in variegated patterns. The plant reaches near full size.
Increase full sun exposure to maximize color intensity. Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizers and switch to balanced or slightly higher potassium formula. Continue regular watering.
Peak Display
4-8 weeks or until frostPlant is at maximum color saturation with dramatic multicolored foliage throughout. Some plants may produce small, inconspicuous flowers.
Deadhead any flowers if you prefer to focus on foliage. Continue regular watering and monthly fertilizer applications. Monitor for pests.
Decline
Variable (until first frost)As temperatures cool or frost approaches, colors may fade slightly and foliage can become less vibrant. Plant growth slows significantly.
In frost-prone areas, this signals the end of the growing season. Collect seeds before frost if desired. Remove and compost plants after first frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting foliage, use neem oil spray, or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate infested plants. Hand-remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab on small infestations.
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or apply reflective mulch to confuse adults.
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and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, beer traps, or food-grade diatomaceous earth around base.
Uses
Edible Leaves and Seeds
CulinaryYoung Palette leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach, offering a mild flavor with nutritional benefits. The seeds are also edible and can be ground into flour or cooked as a grain. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
HouseholdStems with colorful foliage make stunning fresh or dried arrangements that last several weeks in a vase. The unique multicolored leaves add tropical flair to floral designs and home décor. [source]
Dried Flower Craft Projects
CraftThe foliage and seed heads dry beautifully and can be used in dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Colors remain vibrant for months when properly dried. [source]
Seed Source for Birds
WildlifeMature seed heads attract finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds, making Palette a valuable addition to wildlife gardens. Allowing seeds to mature provides natural bird food through fall. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalAmaranth species have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support digestion and reduce inflammation. Leaves contain beneficial antioxidants and minerals. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Palette is primarily grown for foliage rather than harvest. For seed collection, allow some flowers to mature and dry on the plant in late summer. Collect seed heads when they turn brown and papery, dry completely indoors, and extract seeds. Foliage can be enjoyed throughout the growing season by cutting stems for arrangements; cut in early morning for best vase life.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Palette gets its name from the vibrant, multicolored foliage that resembles an artist's palette with reds, yellows, oranges, and greens blended together on a single plant.
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztecs and has been cultivated for over 8,000 years; it was considered so important that it was used in religious ceremonies and as currency.
- 🌱 The intense colors in Palette foliage are produced by naturally occurring pigments called betalains and carotenoids, which intensify under bright sunlight and warm temperatures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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