Molten Fire

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Feel the first tender bite of Molten Fire amaranth—its leaves unfurl with a vivid, ember-bright character and a pleasantly peppery, spinach-like snap.

At about 40 days, plants form lush, upright mounds of glossy foliage with a crisp, succulent texture that holds up beautifully for quick sautés, steaming, and vibrant stir-ins, as well as fresh additions to salads for a lively green pop. Grow Molten Fire for a harvest that looks as fiery as it tastes, turning everyday greens into a garden-to-table centerpiece.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 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 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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Molten Fire amaranth eats like a young, pepper-leaning spinach—glossy leaves stay crisp-tender instead of collapsing into mush. Treat it with fast heat and acid (lemon) so the ember-bright bite shows up clean, not dulled.

Best Uses

quick sauté in hot oil with garlic for crisp-tender greens
steam and finish with lemon butter for a clean, vivid leaf flavor
toss into salads where it stays crisp under vinaigrette
stir-in at the end of soups and rice for color and lively crunch

Flavor Profile

peppery spinach-like bite tender, succulent leaf snap bright, slightly grassy freshness

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil butter goat cheese chili flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Amaranthus cruentus, and how can I control it in my garden?

A common issue is leaf-chewing damage from flea beetles (especially early in growth) and later, occasional fungal leaf spots in humid weather. Check the undersides of leaves twice a week and remove heavily infested leaves; for control, use insecticidal soap or a fine row cover until plants are well established. If you see leaf spot, water at the soil line (not on leaves) and improve airflow by thinning so plants aren’t crowded.

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

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply after the soil surface starts to dry, because Amaranthus cruentus forms a strong root system when moisture isn’t constantly saturated. Avoid frequent light sprinkles, which can encourage surface drying and stress.

How do I tell when Amaranthus cruentus (40 days to maturity) is ready to harvest?

Harvest leaves when they’re tender and about 6–10 inches long; this is usually around day 35–40, depending on temperatures. For best flavor, pick in the morning and choose leaves from the outer portions so the plant can keep producing; you can start harvesting earlier for “baby leaves” and continue regular cuttings. If the plant starts to bolt and produces dense flower heads, begin leaf harvest before leaves get tough.