Red Leaf

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Velvety, ruby-red leaves glow with a living luster—tender enough to feel silky, yet substantial enough to hold their character in the pan.

Red Leaf amaranth delivers a pleasantly mild, greens-forward flavor with a gentle sweetness, making it a standout for fresh salads and quick sautés, as well as vibrant sauces and steaming-forward side dishes. Harvest at about 45 days for the most delicate texture and the richest crimson color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 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 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Leaf amaranth eats like a delicate velvet green—tender but not fragile—so it shines when you wilt it fast in a hot pan and keep the seasoning bright. Its mild sweetness plays beautifully with citrus and creamy tang, letting the crimson color stay loud on the plate.

Best Uses

quick sautéed side with a glossy finish
chopped raw salads where the leaves keep their shape
steamed and finished with butter or olive oil
blended into vivid herb-forward sauces or green soups

Flavor Profile

velvety, ruby-red tenderness mild, greens-forward flavor with gentle sweetness slightly earthy, fresh bite pan-friendly texture that stays supple rather than turning watery

Kitchen Pairings

lemon ginger olive oil butter goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage damping-off or leaf spot on Amaranthus tricolor (red leaf) seedlings?

Sow seeds in a warm (about 70°F) seed-starting mix and keep the surface evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent damping-off. If you see dark, shrinking stems at the soil line or spreading brown spots on leaves, remove affected seedlings/leaves, improve airflow, and water at the base so foliage stays dry.

How often should I water Amaranthus tricolor during its main growing phase (about weeks 2–6)?

Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist during active growth, typically requiring watering about 2–4 times per week depending on heat and soil type. After the plants are established, water deeply when the surface starts to dry, aiming to avoid both drought stress and prolonged soggy soil.

When is Amaranthus tricolor ready to harvest for the best red leaves?

Harvest after about 35–45 days when plants are well-leafed and the leaves have turned their mature red/purple color. Pick outer leaves first, cutting near the stem; regular harvesting encourages new leaf growth so you can keep harvesting over several weeks.