Early Splendor

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Velvety, jewel-toned leaves of Early Splendor unfurl with a tender, slightly sweet bite and a gentle, earthy depth.

At about 40 days, the foliage forms lush, upright mounds with a crisp-yet-succulent texture that shines in fresh salads and quick sautés, and it also makes a vibrant base for hearty sauces and colorful pickles.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Early Splendor

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 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Early Splendor amaranth eats like a soft green with just enough sweetness to balance its earthy edge, and it wilts quickly without turning to mush. Use it fast—fresh or briefly heated—so the leaves keep that crisp-succulent bite and don’t get muddy in the pan.

Best Uses

raw salads where the leaves stay snappy under vinaigrette
quick sauté or wilting into hot pasta—minimal time to keep the bite
stir into warm grains (farro, quinoa) with lemon and olive oil
color-forward pickles or brines where the leaves hold a jewel-toned look

Flavor Profile

tender, slightly sweet bite gentle earthy depth velvety, crisp-yet-succulent leaf texture light herbal/leafy finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter goat cheese eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (early amaranth), and how do I control it at home?

Look for aphids and leaf-chewing caterpillars, which can show up quickly on tender amaranth growth; check the underside of leaves every 2–3 days. Spray early with a strong jet of water and, if needed, use insecticidal soap (targeting the undersides) or hand-remove caterpillars. For disease, watch for leaf spots and damping off in cool, wet conditions—water at soil level and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly the first 4–5 weeks), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, reducing frequency if the soil stays damp after a finger test. If leaves start to wilt at midday and the soil feels dry an inch down, increase watering immediately to prevent stunted growth.

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

Harvest at about 35–40 days when plants are actively growing and leaves are tender—pick before foliage becomes thick and tough. For greens, take outer leaves first (leaving the growing tip intact) and continue harvesting every few days. If you’re harvesting for seeds (if allowed to mature), wait until seed heads are dry and dark and the seeds release easily when rubbed.