Juice Red

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Juice Red delivers a vivid, ruby-scarlet abundance with a tender, succulent bite and a pleasantly mild, greens-forward flavor.

At maturity, the plants form lush, upright clusters that stay crisp and juicy, ideal for fresh salads and quick sauté-style skillet favorites, as well as vibrant sauces and pickling where its color truly shines. Grow Juice Red for a fast, satisfying harvest in just about 45 days—pretty in the garden and delicious on the plate.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 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 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Juice Red amaranth is built for speed: its tender, juicy leaves don’t need long cooking to stay crisp, and the color stays vivid through quick heat and light reductions. Treat it like a delicate spinach/greens cousin—hit it fast in a hot pan, then finish with lemon or vinegar so it tastes clean, not stewed.

Best Uses

quick skillet sauté with garlic and a splash of acid
fresh salads where the leaves stay crisp and juicy
vibrant sauce base (blend with olive oil and lemon, then warm gently)
quick pickling for punchy, jewel-toned leaves

Flavor Profile

mild, greens-forward flavor tender, succulent bite with a juicy snap clean, slightly nutty “leaf” character ruby-red color that holds up visually in cooking

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil vinegar toasted sesame oil feta cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest is most likely on Amaranthus cruentus (juice red) and how can I control it?

A common issue is aphids, which cluster on tender shoots and can leave sticky honeydew. Spray plants with a strong jet of water first, then treat remaining clusters with insecticidal soap, especially on the undersides of leaves. Keep weeds down around the beds because they can harbor aphids and other sap-feeding insects.

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

During active leaf growth (after seedlings establish), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for a deep watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil type. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again, since Amaranthus cruentus tolerates brief dry spells better than chronically soggy roots. Mulch can help steady moisture, which reduces stress and slow growth.

How do I know when Amaranthus cruentus (juice red) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are 8–12 inches tall and leaves are fully formed, typically around 40–50 days (often sooner for baby greens). Pick outer leaves first or snip the top growth to encourage new tender shoots; harvest in the morning for the best texture. If leaves start looking thick or bitter, harvest immediately to avoid a tougher flavor.