Red Cathedral

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Velvet-dark leaves unfurl with a dramatic, cathedral-like presence—deep garnet to near-black maroon—then soften into a tender, succulent bite.

“Red Cathedral” amaranth builds lush, upright clumps in cool weather, offering a richly earthy, slightly sweet flavor that shines in bold, colorful greens. Grow it for abundant harvests of striking foliage for fresh salads, quick sauté-style stir-ins, and vibrant sauces that turn every bowl into a jewel-toned statement.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
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	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Cathedral amaranth eats like a tender, succulent leafy green with an unmistakably earthy sweetness—built for fast heat and bright acid. It holds its dramatic color through a quick wilt, so it looks like jewelry in salads and finishes cleanly in sauces.

Best Uses

quick sauté or stir-in where the leaves wilt fast but don’t turn to mush
fresh salads (small handfuls) with a punchy vinaigrette to balance the earthy sweetness
steam-then-pulse into a vibrant sauce or puree for swirling through grains and beans
fold into omelets or scrambled eggs for a glossy, tender green center

Flavor Profile

velvety-earthy, slightly sweet greens tender-succulent bite with a gentle chew near-black garnet color that stays visually intense when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil goat cheese toasted sesame chickpeas

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (Red Cathedral), and how can I control it?

Watch for aphids and leaf-chewing caterpillars, which often cluster on tender new growth of Amaranthus cruentus. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray of water, then spot-treat with insecticidal soap if they return; for caterpillars, remove visibly affected leaves and use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) according to label directions. Keep plants spaced for airflow to reduce the risk of leaf spot in humid weather.

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

During the main growth phase, water to keep the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil evenly moist but not soggy. In warm weather this is often about 1–2 times per week, increasing to more frequent watering if the soil dries quickly; aim water at the soil, not the leaves, to prevent leaf spot. If leaves start to wilt at midday and spring back by evening, increase watering slightly rather than flooding.

How do I tell when Red Cathedral Amaranthus cruentus is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 45 days to maturity when leaves are well-developed, tender, and deep burgundy/red (not overly tough). For greens, cut outer leaves first or take a full harvest once plants reach your desired size—avoid waiting until the plant is extremely mature and hardened. If you’re harvesting for tender shoots, take them before flowering for the best leaf texture and flavor.