Green Forest

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Dive into Green Forest’s lush, velvety greens—tender leaves with a cool, verdant flavor and a pleasantly succulent bite.

At maturity in about 55 days, this amaranth forms an upright, richly branched plant that delivers abundant foliage for fresh harvest and bold, leafy preparations, with leaves that hold their character beautifully when heated. Grow Green Forest for a garden-to-table favorite that brings deep color and a satisfying, leafy texture to your favorite amaranth dishes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Upright

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	Upright
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

Green Forest amaranth leans into that leafy, almost savory “meaty green” thing—tender up front, with enough structure to keep its character under heat. Use it hot and fast (or finish it at the end) so it stays succulent instead of going soft and muddy.

Best Uses

quick sauté like spinach, so the leaves stay vivid and not watery
steam and toss with a punchy garlic-lime or ginger-sesame dressing
stir into rice or grains at the end for a tender, leafy texture
use as a cooked green in dumplings or wraps for a sturdy, heat-holding leaf

Flavor Profile

cool verdant flavor tender, succulent leaf bite earthy-meaty greens with a mild bitterness

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime sesame oil chili flakes tofu goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly hits Amaranthus cruentus (green forest), and how can I treat it at home?

Green amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) often suffers from aphids and leaf-chewing caterpillars, which quickly leave stippled or ragged foliage. Rinse plants with a strong water jet, then spray insecticidal soap (especially underside of leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days for persistent outbreaks. Watch also for leaf spots; remove badly affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to keep the canopy from staying wet.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during active growth, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During the main growing phase (after seedlings establish and up to harvest), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil type, increasing frequency during hot, dry spells. Consistent moisture helps prevent stunting and bitter, thin leaves.

How do I tell when Amaranthus cruentus (green forest) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are actively leafy and reach about 50–60 days from sowing, with tender leaves that snap easily. Take leaf bunches by cutting the top growth and side shoots, leaving several lower leaves so the plant can regrow. If leaves become tough or the plant starts pushing flower stalks, harvest promptly for best flavor and tenderness.