Coral Fountain

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Feather-soft plumes in coral-pink to warm salmon rise like a living bouquet, carrying a gently sweet, earthy flavor with a tender, succulent bite.

Coral Fountain forms lush, upright growth that stays crisp and vibrant at harvest, delivering abundant leafy greens and showy grainheads for bold color in the garden. Grow it for fresh salads and vibrant sautés, or let the plumes and leaves shine in sauces and quick pickles—an ornamental amaranth that tastes as good as it looks.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Spreading

Botanical illustration of Coral Fountain

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	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Coral Fountain’s leaves are airy and succulent—ideal when you want greens that won’t turn stringy, even in a fast pan. Use bright acid (lemon or vinegar) to sharpen the sweet-earth tone and let the stems/plumes keep their lively bite.

Best Uses

quick sauté with garlic and olive oil—keep it wet and fast so it stays plush
toss raw in salads for a tender, lightly peppered bite
blend into a vibrant chiffonade for soups or a silky wilted topping
quick pickles for the plumes and leaf stems—vinegar preserves the color and crunch

Flavor Profile

gently sweet, mild earthiness feather-soft tenderness with succulent leaves slight peppery snap in stems and plumes bright, clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon juice olive oil feta cheese toasted sesame oil chicken or white fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue is most common on Amaranthus cruentus (Coral Fountain), and how can I control it?

Watch for aphids, especially on new growth, which can stunt plants and leave sticky residue. Spray plants with a strong jet of water and, if needed, apply insecticidal soap, coating stems and leaf undersides. If you see leaf spotting or damping-off in wet, shaded areas, remove affected leaves and improve airflow around the plant beds.

How often should I water Coral Fountain (Amaranthus cruentus) during active growth?

During the main growing phase, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—typically watering 2–3 times per week depending on heat and soil type. Water at the base early in the day to avoid wetting foliage, and let the surface dry slightly between waterings to reduce disease pressure.

How do I know when Coral Fountain (Amaranthus cruentus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when flower plumes are fully developed and brightly colored and the plants are near their 55-day maturity window. For greens, cut tender leaves once plants are established (about knee-height), choosing leaves before they become tough; for plumes, cut stems when the inflorescences are crisp and at peak color.