Chinese Spinach

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, fast-growing Chinese Spinach unfurls with a lush, velvety bite—its leaves are crisp and succulent, with a gently sweet, mineral-green flavor that feels fresh from the garden.

Expect an upright, leafy habit that fills quickly, producing abundant foliage in about 30 days for repeated harvests. Ideal for stir-fry, quick sautéing, and bright, savory soups, it also shines in fresh salads where its delicate texture stays invitingly crisp.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 30 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Chinese Spinach

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	30
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Chinese Spinach has that juicy, crisp-succulent leaf texture that makes it disappear into a wok in under a minute—then reassert itself as tender, not tired. Use assertive salty/acidic partners (soy, lime, chili) to sharpen the mild sweetness and keep the green taste feeling alive.

Best Uses

hot wok stir-fry where the leaves just wilt and stay glossy
quick sautéed side with a slick of fat (not long-cooked mush)
bright, savory soups where it tenderizes fast and holds texture
fresh salads—tossed at the last second to keep it snappy

Flavor Profile

gently sweet, leafy green flavor crisp-succulent, velvety bite clean, lightly mineral finish

Kitchen Pairings

ginger soy sauce sesame oil oyster sauce lime chili paste

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amaranthus tricolor (Chinese spinach), and how do I control it?

A frequent problem is aphids, which cluster on tender new growth and can cause distorted leaves. Blast them off with a strong stream of water, then spray insecticidal soap (especially on leaf undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days until you see no new colonies. If you notice fuzzy gray growth or leaf spots, remove affected leaves and improve airflow; keep leaves as dry as possible during the day.

How often should I water Chinese spinach during the main growing phase?

During the 30-day leaf production phase, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In warm weather this usually means watering about once daily or whenever the surface starts to dry, then deepening the soak so roots can access moisture. Mulch lightly after emergence to reduce drying, and avoid soaking so long that the soil stays soggy between waterings.

How can I tell when Amaranthus tricolor is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 6–10 inches tall and leaves are tender, usually around 25–30 days after sowing. Pick outer leaves first and take only 20–30% of the plant at a time to encourage continued regrowth; stop cutting if leaves begin to look tough or bolt starts. For best eating quality, harvest in the morning and use leaves soon after picking.