Joseph's Coat Tricolor

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Velvety, jewel-toned foliage ripens in a living tapestry of warm gold, rose-pink, and deep green—tender leaves with a pleasantly mild, earthy sweetness and a crisp, succulent bite.

Joseph’s Coat Tricolor grows fast to harvest-ready greens in about 35 days, forming an upright, branching plant that stays lush rather than woody. Ideal for fresh salads and quick sauté-style dishes, these striking leaves also shine when blended into vibrant sauces and savory blends for a colorful, garden-fresh finish.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Joseph's Coat Tricolor

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Joseph’s Coat Tricolor amaranth is the kind of leafy green that eats like a cross between spinach and a crisp herb—sweet earthiness with a tender crunch. Use it raw for maximum snap, or flash it just until wilted so it keeps its velvety texture and color.

Best Uses

tossed raw in salads where the leaves stay crisp
quick sauté or flash-wilted greens to keep them bright
blended into sauces/purees for a jewel-toned, savory streak
folded into warm grain or bean bowls at the last minute

Flavor Profile

mild earthy sweetness crisp, succulent bite velvety, tender leaf texture lightly vegetal with a soft finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil goat cheese black pepper butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amaranthus viridis (Joseph’s Coat Tricolor), and what should I do?

Watch for aphids and leaf-chewing caterpillars on tender new growth; they often cluster at tips and along leaf undersides. Rinse aphids off with a strong water jet and use insecticidal soap for repeat outbreaks, and remove visible caterpillars by hand early in the day. For disease, keep leaves dry and improve airflow because damp conditions can trigger leaf spot; remove badly spotted leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water Amaranthus viridis during peak growth to keep the soil right?

During the main growing phase, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In warm weather this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week, but adjust so the soil doesn’t dry out between waterings. If you see wilting during midday heat, water immediately and then resume at a schedule that maintains even moisture.

How can I tell when Joseph’s Coat Tricolor (Amaranthus viridis) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 35 days to maturity, when plants have enough tender leaves for picking and stems are still flexible. Cut individual leaf clusters or snip the tops, which encourages fresh regrowth and prolongs harvest. If leaves start looking tough or the plant begins forming seed heads, start harvesting sooner because quality declines as it matures.