How to Grow Tricolor Amaranth Early Splendor
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Tricolor Amaranth Early Splendor
Amaranthus tricolor 'Early Splendor'
vegetableEarly Splendor is a vibrant ornamental amaranth cultivar prized for its stunning tricolor foliage featuring red, yellow, and green variegated leaves. The plant produces edible leaves and seeds, serving as both a decorative garden specimen and a nutritious leafy green. It matures quickly and tolerates heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for warm-season gardening.
When should you plant Tricolor Amaranth Early Splendor in your zone?
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Example Tricolor Amaranth Early Splendor timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tricolor Amaranth Early Splendor
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 Tricolor Amaranth Early Splendor
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-11; best performance in zones 6-10 with consistent warmth
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 days to germination; 3-4 weeks from sowing to transplant-readyTiny seeds sprout within 7-10 days in warm soil (70-75°F). Seedlings emerge with two small cotyledons and develop true leaves rapidly. Early growth is slow but accelerates as temperatures warm.
Keep soil warm and moist. Provide bright light indoors to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing by 3-4 weeks to reduce crowding and competition.
Vegetative & Foliage Development
3-4 weeks after seedling stagePlant rapidly develops stems and leaves with increasingly prominent tricolor variegation (red, yellow, and green). Leaves become fuller and more deeply colored. Plant reaches 12-18 inches in height.
Ensure consistent moisture and full sun for vibrant color development. Pinch growing tips at 6-8 inches to encourage bushier growth and more leaves. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer (5-5-5) every 3-4 weeks.
Leaf Harvest & Continued Growth
2-3 weeks, can extend with continued harvestsPlant begins producing harvestable outer leaves while continuing to grow. Color intensification peaks. Plant may reach 24-36 inches depending on variety and growing conditions.
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 8-12 inches tall. Harvest regularly to encourage more leaf production. Continue watering and feeding to sustain growth. Monitor for pests as plant matures.
Flowering & Seed Development
2-3 weeksTall flower spikes emerge (red or yellow depending on variety). Small flowers develop into seed heads. Plant energy shifts toward reproduction rather than leaf growth.
Allow some flower spikes to mature if you want to save seeds. Otherwise, remove early flowers to extend leaf production. Reduce nitrogen feeding to avoid excessive vegetative growth at this stage.
Seed Maturation & End of Season
2-4 weeksSeed heads dry and turn brown or tan. Seeds become hard and fall readily when brushed. Plant growth slows significantly; foliage may yellow or decline.
Collect seed heads before they shatter. Allow to fully dry indoors on newspaper. Store dried seeds in cool, dry conditions for next season. Remove plant at season's end or let it self-sow.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity through regular misting; use miticide or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Hand-pick caterpillars early. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for larger infestations. Row covers prevent egg-laying.
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Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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and
Hand-pick early morning or evening. Create barriers with copper tape. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
Uses
Leafy green vegetable
CulinaryTricolor amaranth leaves are edible raw in salads when young and tender, or cooked like spinach when more mature. The leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are packed with vitamins A, C, and minerals including calcium and iron. [source]
Grain and seeds
CulinaryThe tiny seeds can be harvested, dried, and popped like popcorn or ground into flour for baking. Amaranth seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making them valuable in vegetarian and vegan diets. [source]
Garden decoration
OrnamentalThe striking tricolor foliage of red, yellow, and green makes Early Splendor a visually stunning addition to flower beds, borders, and container gardens. The vibrant colors intensify in full sun and create dramatic contrast in mixed plantings. [source]
Nutritional supplement
MedicinalAmaranth leaves and seeds have been used traditionally in many cultures for their high nutrient density and potential health benefits. The plant is rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant properties. [source]
Natural dye source
HouseholdThe red and burgundy pigments in tricolor amaranth foliage can be extracted and used as natural plant dyes for textiles and other craft projects, creating rich warm tones without synthetic chemicals. [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 leaves when plant is 8-12 inches tall by pinching or cutting outer leaves from the top. Harvest regularly (every 7-10 days) to encourage bushier growth and sustained production. For tender, young leaves ideal for salads, harvest when 3-6 inches long. Entire plants can be harvested when 12-18 inches tall for maximum yield. For seeds, allow flower spikes to mature fully, then collect dried seed heads and thresh to separate seeds. Harvest in early morning after dew dries for best quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztecs and has been cultivated in South America for over 8,000 years; it was considered a sacred grain and reserved for religious ceremonies.
- 🌱 Amaranth seeds are technically not grains despite their common use as one; they are actually the seeds of an herb, making them naturally gluten-free and suitable for celiac diets.
- 🌱 The name 'Amaranthus' comes from the Greek words 'a' (not) and 'marainein' (to wither), referring to the long-lasting, non-fading quality of the flowers and foliage, particularly the rich red colors.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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