Fastigiata (Hopi Red Dye)

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Feel the velvet-deep, wine-red richness of Hopi Red Dye amaranth—its plumes unfurl with a dramatic, almost luminous glow that turns the garden into a living bouquet.

At maturity, the tender leaves and sturdy stems offer a pleasantly earthy, slightly sweet flavor with a succulent, crisp bite, ideal for fresh use and for turning into vibrant color for sauces and pickling. Grow Fastigiata for dependable, 90-day performance and striking, upright form that keeps its beauty from first emergence through harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Fastigiata (Hopi Red Dye)

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	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
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)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Hopi Red Dye amaranth gives you a leafy, crisp-tender mouthfeel with an earthy sweetness that holds up when heat knocks the raw bitterness out. The wine-red color makes sauces and pickles look like they mean business, even when the flavor stays grounded and green.

Best Uses

chop the young leaves for quick stir-fries where they stay snappy
blanch and shock, then dress with a tart vinaigrette to sharpen the earthy edge
steam or fold into warm grains for a leafy, juicy spoonful
use the deeper stems/leaves to color pickles and quick pan sauces

Flavor Profile

earthy, slightly sweet green note succulent, crisp-tender bite lightly nutty, wine-tinged finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime extra-virgin olive oil cumin feta chile

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Amaranthus cruentus (Hopi Red Dye), and how can I manage it?

Look for leaf-feeding insects like flea beetles and caterpillars, which can chew holes in young leaves and reduce growth. Hand-remove visible larvae early, use row cover until plants are established, and set out yellow sticky traps to monitor flea beetles. If you see fuzzy gray growth or sudden wilting, remove affected leaves immediately and avoid watering the foliage—Amaranthus cruentus is prone to foliar fungal problems when plants stay wet.

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

During the main growth period, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and wind. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and maintain consistent moisture to prevent leaf drop and slowed growth. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, especially once the plants reach their vigorous mid-season growth.

How do I tell when Amaranthus cruentus (Fastigiata/Hopi Red Dye) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the inflorescences (dense, upright flower clusters) are fully developed and begin to look dry and richly colored, typically around 90 days from sowing. You can check by gently rubbing a cluster—when seeds are firm and the heads don’t look “green,” they’re ready. For dye use, harvest promptly at peak color before the heads start shedding seeds in the field.