How to Grow Red Amaranth Tampala
Wikimedia Commons
Red Amaranth Tampala
Amaranthus tricolor
vegetableRed Amaranth Tampala is a striking dual-purpose plant grown for both its vibrant red and burgundy ornamental foliage and its nutritious edible leaves and seeds. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in warm climates and produces tender leaves rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. The plant's dramatic coloring makes it decorative while delivering substantial culinary and nutritional benefits.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Red Amaranth Tampala in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Amaranth Tampala timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Red Amaranth Tampala
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Red Amaranth Tampala
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Amaranth Tampala dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grows as annual in zones 3-8 with warm season planting
Sign up free to see if Red Amaranth Tampala grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Red Amaranth Tampala timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first true leaves emerging; initial foliage may be green before red pigmentation develops
Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to develop vibrant coloration.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid leaf expansion with increasingly prominent red and burgundy coloration developing on stems and leaf undersides; plant reaches 12-24 inches tall
Pinch off flower buds to encourage continued tender leaf production. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure consistent warmth and moisture.
Leaf Harvest Phase
4-6 weeksPlant is bushy and colorful; leaves are tender and at peak nutritional value; ready for regular harvesting
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage branching and sustained production. Remove flower spikes as they appear if prioritizing leaf yield. Continue fertilizing.
Flowering
3-4 weeksLong, feathery flower spikes emerge from the top and leaf axils in shades of red or burgundy; plant may reach 3-5 feet tall
If seed production is desired, allow flowering to continue. If prioritizing leaves, remove flower spikes to redirect energy. Flowers are edible and ornamental.
Seed Production and Harvest
2-3 weeksFlower spikes dry and mature into tiny black or reddish seeds; plant completes its lifecycle
Leave mature seed heads on plant to dry completely in sun. Cut entire flower head when papery and dry; thresh over a cloth to collect seeds. Store in cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; remove affected leaves
-
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil for severe infestations
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; reflective mulches deter some species
-
Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; remove crop residue
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Leafy Green Cooking
CulinaryYoung tender leaves are eaten fresh in salads or cooked like spinach in stir-fries, soups, and curries. The leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a nutritious profile similar to spinach. [source]
Grain and Seed Harvest
CulinaryMature seeds are popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as a grain. Amaranth seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making them valuable in grain-free and gluten-free diets. [source]
Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalLeaves and seeds are exceptionally high in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. Traditionally used in tropical and African cuisines for boosting nutritional intake and supporting bone and immune health. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe deep red and burgundy pigments can be extracted to create natural dyes for fabrics and paper. The plant's vibrant coloration comes from betalains and other water-soluble pigments. [source]
Decorative Garden Plant
OrnamentalThe striking red, burgundy, and sometimes gold foliage and dramatic flower spikes make it an excellent ornamental addition to beds, borders, and containers. Both leaves and flowers are visually striking and long-lasting. [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 tender outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, typically 30-40 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves regularly to encourage bushiness and sustained production—harvesting actually increases yield. Young leaves (under 4 inches) are most tender. For seed, allow flower heads to mature and dry completely, then harvest, thresh, and dry seeds thoroughly before storage. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Amaranth Tampala is an ancient crop in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean where it's called 'Callaloo' or 'Bhaji' and remains a staple leaf vegetable in traditional cuisines.
- 🌱 Amaranth seeds are one of the few plant-based complete proteins containing all nine essential amino acids, making them nutritionally superior to many grains and used as a gluten-free alternative.
- 🌱 The plant's vibrant red pigmentation intensifies with exposure to sunlight and heat; the hotter and sunnier the climate, the more dramatic the coloration becomes.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Red Amaranth Tampala planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Red Amaranth Tampala seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Red Amaranth Tampala timeline →