Opopeo

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Velvety, jewel-toned leaves unfurl with a lush, slightly sweet, green-sweet flavor and a tender, succulent bite that feels almost satin-smooth.

Opopeo amaranth grows with an upright, confident habit to deliver abundant foliage in about 60 days, making it a standout for fresh bunches and quick tosses where its mild depth shines. Let the plants mature for a fuller, more robust character—ideal for vibrant greens in sautés, steaming, and bright, herb-forward sauces, with leaves that also hold their color beautifully when pickled.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Opopeo’s tender, velvety leaves cook fast without getting stringy, staying sweet-green even when you heat them. Because the flavor is mild and clean (not bitter), it plays beautifully with bright acid and fatty richness—think lemony oil, miso, or creamy tang—where other greens might turn sharp or muddy.

Best Uses

quick sauté or stir-fry—treat like fast-cooking spinach but with a silkier mouthfeel
steam and dress with lemon/acid and olive oil for a clean, verdant finish
whisk into herb-forward sauces where it stays bright instead of turning drab
pickle the leaves for crisp, jewel-toned tang

Flavor Profile

lush green-sweet flavor velvety, tender, almost satin-smooth bite mild, slightly sweet leafy depth keeps its color under heat

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil white miso goat cheese chicken or pork

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (opo peo), and how can I control it?

In warm, humid weather, Amaranthus cruentus is prone to leaf spot and can attract aphids that weaken growth. Remove and discard infected leaves early, avoid wetting foliage, and water at the base so leaves stay dry. For aphids, rinse plants with a strong jet of water and, if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap on the undersides of leaves.

How often should I water opo peo (Amaranthus cruentus) during its main growing phase?

During the main growth period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on your weather, and reduce watering if the soil stays wet or the leaves look dull and droopy from excess moisture.

How do I know when to harvest Amaranthus cruentus (opo peo)?

Harvest when plants are actively growing and the leaves are tender—typically around 45–60 days after sowing. Pick leaves and young tips frequently to encourage new shoots, and avoid harvesting when leaves are large and tough or the plant has begun flowering heavily.