Green Leaf Vegetable Amaranth

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, vividly green leaves unfurl with a lush, velvety sheen and a mild, pleasantly grassy sweetness that feels fresh from the garden.

Green Leaf Vegetable Amaranth forms an upright, leafy mass in about 40 days, producing abundant foliage with a crisp-tender texture that holds its color beautifully. Grow it for generous harvests of leafy greens for steaming, sautéing, stir-fries, and quick pickling-style preparations, or enjoy it fresh in salads for a bright, verdant bite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Green Leaf Vegetable Amaranth

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)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This amaranth is all about that crisp-tender leaf bite—steam it just until it turns glossy, then hit it with fat and acid so the mild grassiness tastes bright, not muddy. Use it fast and hot; it holds color and texture better than many softer greens when you want that fresh, verdant crunch.

Best Uses

quick sauté or stir-fry where the leaves stay vivid and lightly crisp
steam and finish with butter or olive oil for a silky, green-sweet mouthfeel
toss into salads or warm grain bowls for color and a snap-tender texture
quick pickling-style prep (briny, fast vinegar soak) to keep the greens lively

Flavor Profile

mildly grassy sweetness crisp-tender leaf bite fresh vegetal juiciness clean, lightly earthy finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic ginger lemon sesame oil butter chili

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Amaranthus viridis (green leaf vegetable amaranth), and how can I manage it?

Amaranthus viridis is often plagued by aphids and occasional leaf-spot problems in humid weather. Check the undersides of leaves every few days and spray with a strong jet of water, then use insecticidal soap if you still see clusters. If you spot circular leaf spots, remove badly affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage drier.

How often should I water Amaranthus viridis during its main growing phase to keep leaves tender?

During active leaf growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall, and increase frequency when the top inch dries out. Inconsistent drying can make leaves tougher, so aim for steady moisture from emergence through the 30–40 day harvest window.

How do I know when to harvest Amaranthus viridis for the best eating quality?

Harvest when plants are about 30–45 days old (often around day 40) and stems are still tender, with leaves that are fully expanded but not overly thick. Cut the leafy tops and first few nodes to encourage side shoots, rather than pulling the whole plant. You can do repeated cuttings every 5–10 days as long as new tender growth keeps appearing.