Intense Red

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Velvety, intensely red plumes rise with a dramatic, jewel-like glow—an unmistakable spectacle in the garden.

Intense Red amaranth delivers tender, succulent leaves with a mild, earthy sweetness and a pleasantly crisp bite, perfect for fresh bunches and vibrant color in every harvest. Grow it for striking summer-to-fall beauty and for foliage that shines in salads, quick sautés, and richly colored sauces and pickling brines.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Intense Red amaranth eats like a tender spring green—soft, then crisp—so it holds up when you dress it with something bright and acidic rather than letting it steam into mush. I like using it to add ruby color to quick sautés and brines where its mild earthiness won’t fight louder flavors.

Best Uses

tossed raw with citrus vinaigrette to keep that crisp snap
quick sauté with olive oil and a splash of acid for minimal browning
chopped into richly colored sauces or purees to tint without turning bitter
blanched and folded into warm grain bowls with salty feta or nuts
pickled/quick-brined leaves for a tangy, jewel-bright crunch

Flavor Profile

mild earthy sweetness velvety-tender leaves pleasant crisp bite slightly grassy, green finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil feta goat cheese toasted sesame black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (intense red), and how can I fix it?

A common issue is leaf spot, often triggered by warm, humid conditions and wet foliage. Remove affected leaves, water at the soil line (not the leaves), and improve airflow by spacing plants about 6–10 inches apart. If new spots keep appearing, spray a copper-based fungicide labeled for edible amaranth and repeat according to the label interval.

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

During active growth, keep the top 1 inch of soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically watering 1–2 times per week depending on heat and your soil’s drainage. In sandy soil it may take more frequent watering; in heavy soils, less is needed to avoid soggy roots. Once plants are established and starting to size up, water deeply when the surface begins to dry.

How do I know when Amaranthus cruentus is ready to harvest?

For leafy harvests, cut leaves when plants are about 6–10 inches tall, usually around 30–45 days, taking outer leaves first to encourage regrowth. For a full “ready” harvest aligned with the ~50-day maturity, harvest when plants have developed their mature, dense flower/seed heads (if you’re growing for heads) or when leaves are at their fullest size. Use a quick check: leaves should be tender and not tough, and the plant should show steady growth up to maturity rather than stalling.