Mercado

Family: Amaranthaceae Grain

Velvety, jewel-toned leaves of Mercado unfurl with a rich, grassy sweetness and a tender, succulent bite that feels almost satin-smooth.

At about 90 days, plants build a lush canopy of upright stems and broad foliage, offering abundant greens for fresh use and quick sauté-style dishes, plus vibrant color and body in soups and stews. Grow Mercado for a dependable, market-class harvest that stays flavorful and leafy when you keep picking at its prime.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 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	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Mercado amaranth is all about that tender, almost satin-smooth leaf that wilts fast without collapsing into mush. Cook it hot and brief, then wake it up with citrus—its grassy sweetness comes forward and stays clean instead of turning heavy.

Best Uses

quick sauté until just wilted, then finish with acid to keep it vivid
stir-fry style with garlic/ginger where the leaves stay silky, not stringy
thicken and enrich soups or stews—adds body without turning greasy
blend into a green puree or pesto-style sauce for a satin, spoon-coating texture

Flavor Profile

grassy, vegetal sweetness tender, succulent bite mild mineral snap

Kitchen Pairings

garlic ginger lime coconut milk chili oil goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest commonly affects Amaranthus hybridus (Mercado), and how can I control it?

Amaranthus hybridus commonly suffers from aphids, which cluster on tender growth and can spread sap-sucking stress. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water first, then apply insecticidal soap (follow label) and repeat every 5–7 days if colonies persist. Keep plants spaced for airflow and remove heavily infested leaves to reduce the chance of fungal issues developing alongside pest damage.

How often should I water Mercado (Amaranthus hybridus) during peak growth, and what soil moisture target should I maintain?

During peak vegetative growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. In full sun, this often means deep watering about 1–2 times per week, but adjust to rainfall and heat so the root zone stays consistently damp. If the soil stays soggy, Amaranthus can develop root stress and decline; aim for moisture that sinks in and drains promptly.

How do I know when Mercado (Amaranthus hybridus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach their typical size and the flower/seed heads are fully formed and turning from green to a darker, mature color. For seed harvest, let heads dry on the plant until they rattle lightly and the seeds look firm; for leafy harvest, pick young leaves frequently before they become tough and bitter. Since days to maturity are about 90, harvest timing should align with full head maturity rather than early leaf color alone.