Orange Giant Amaranth

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Sunlit orange-gold leaves unfurl with a tender, succulent bite—vivid enough to brighten the garden even before the first harvest.

Orange Giant Amaranth grows fast to bold, upright clumps of callaloo-class foliage, with a soft, slightly crisp texture that holds its character in steaming pots and quick sautés, and also shines fresh for vibrant greens. Grow it for its striking color and generous leaf production—an eye-catching annual that rewards you with abundant, flavorful greens in about 40 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Orange Giant Amaranth

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	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Orange Giant Amaranth cooks into glossy, succulent greens—more tender than tough spinach and less metallic than some wild amaranths. It loves fat and heat (think coconut milk or smoky pork), but a last squeeze of lemon keeps the orange-gold flavor awake.

Best Uses

steam or braise until silky, then finish with lemon for callaloo-style greens
quick sauté in hot oil with garlic/chiles to keep them vivid
stir into rice or beans near the end so they stay plush, not hollow
use fresh in a bright, lightly dressed salad for a crunchy-tender chew

Flavor Profile

sweet-buttery greens with a faint grassy bite tender, succulent leaves with a soft snap gentle earthiness that cooks down creamy

Kitchen Pairings

garlic chile lemon onion coconut milk smoked pork or ham hock

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat leaf spot and aphids on Amaranthus tricolor (orange giant amaranth)?

Leaf spot commonly shows as small dark or water-soaked spots that spread during warm, humid weather; remove the worst leaves and avoid overhead watering, then ensure plants have good spacing and airflow. Aphids cluster on new growth and cause curling—spray off with a strong jet of water first, then use insecticidal soap if they persist (repeat every 5–7 days as needed). Keep mulch from touching the stems to reduce splashing that carries leaf-spot fungi.

How often should I water orange giant amaranth during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main growth phase (after seedlings establish and while it’s growing quickly), water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, aiming for evenly moist—but not soggy—soil. In hot weather this may mean watering about 1–2 times per week, while cool or rainy periods may require less. If leaves start to look limp or growth slows, check moisture first before adding fertilizer.

When is Amaranthus tricolor ready to harvest (and how can I tell)?

Harvest at about 35–40 days when plants reach full size and leaves are large, crisp, and brightly colored. You’ll get the best flavor when young-to-mid leaves are tender—snap a leaf at the outer, and if it breaks cleanly without tough stringiness, it’s ready. For ongoing harvests, cut above a leaf node (or pick outer leaves) so new shoots can regrow.