Copperhead

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Feel the velvet, coppery glow of Copperhead amaranth as its tender leaves unfurl in rich, warm tones—an eye-catching harvest with a pleasantly earthy, slightly sweet flavor.

The foliage is crisp and succulent at maturity, offering a satisfying bite that shines in fresh salads and quick sautés, and it also lends its color and body to hearty soups and vibrant sauces. Grow Copperhead for a bold, garden-to-table statement that looks as remarkable as it tastes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 2nd
Harvest Begins	Jul 1st
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Copperhead amaranth’s tender, crisp-succulent texture makes it a leaf you can actually taste—less wilt, more bite—while its mild earthy sweetness plays nicely with bright acid. Use it like a sturdier spinach: quick heat, then a squeeze of lemon to sharpen the finish.

Best Uses

raw chopped-leaf salads where it stays crisp
quick hot sautés to keep the bite (finish with acid)
hearty soups and broths for color and body
blending into vibrant sauces or purées for a green, velvety thickness

Flavor Profile

earthy, slightly sweet leafiness crisp-succulent crunch gentle vegetal bitterness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter goat cheese chicken or white beans

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (Joseph’s Coat), and what should I do?

Amaranthus cruentus is especially prone to leaf-chewing caterpillars (often cutworms/armyworm types) that can strip leaves quickly. Hand-pick early, then spray in the evening with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) when caterpillars are small; repeat every 5–7 days until damage stops. If you see blackened, wilting stems or spots after humid weather, remove affected plants and improve airflow (space plants) to reduce fungal spread.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during its main growth (around weeks 2–8)?

During active leaf growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically watering 2–3 times per week depending on heat and soil texture. Use a deep soak so water reaches the root zone, and let the surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent stem/leaf diseases. If wilting shows up at midday but plants perk up by evening, increase the next watering rather than keeping the soil constantly wet.

How do I tell when Amaranthus cruentus is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 50–60 days when plants have abundant tender leaves and the stems are still flexible (not woody). Pick the youngest outer leaves first or cut the tops for a fuller harvest; leave the lower leaves so it can regrow. For best quality, harvest in the morning before midday heat reduces tenderness.