Red Stripe Leaf

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Velvety leaves unfurl in a rich, jewel-toned green veined with vivid red stripes, catching the light like satin.

Tender at about 50 days, Red Stripe Leaf offers a pleasantly mild, gently sweet flavor with a succulent, leafy texture that stays lush through harvest. Grow it for fresh, vibrant greens and for bold color in sautés, steamed dishes, and quick stir-ins, or stir into soups and sauces for a striking natural hue.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Red Stripe Leaf

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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These tender amaranth leaves cook down fast and stay plush, not stringy—ideal when you want greens that keep their bite. The red-veined color and mild sweetness love bright fat (olive oil or butter) and acid, so finish with lemon before serving.

Best Uses

quick sauté or stir-fry where the leaves stay tender and glossy
steamed greens with a quick lemon-butter finish
stir-ins into soups and broths for a jeweled green-red tint
folding into silky purées or sauce reductions for color and body

Flavor Profile

mild, gently sweet greens succulent, velvety leafy texture subtle nutty-herb finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil butter chili flakes parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (red stripe leaf), and how can I treat it?

A frequent issue is leaf-feeding caterpillars and flea beetles, which chew holes in young leaves. Check plants every 2–3 days and hand-pick caterpillars; for flea beetles, use an insect net or row cover during early growth and spray infested foliage with insecticidal soap, targeting the underside of leaves. If you see spots or a mildew-like look, remove the worst leaves and improve airflow (thin plants if crowded) to slow fungal spread.

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

During active leaf growth (about weeks 2–6), keep the top 1 inch of soil evenly moist, watering when it begins to dry but before it fully dries out. Aim for deep, steady watering—typically once every 2–3 days in warm weather, less often if your soil stays cool and holds moisture. Avoid waterlogging, because saturated soil encourages root stress and faster foliar disease.

How do I know when Amaranthus cruentus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants have a strong leaf set—usually around 45–50 days after sowing—and leaves are large enough to eat without tearing. Pick tender outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep producing; you can harvest multiple times over a couple of weeks. If leaves start to look tough or the plant shifts into heavy flowering, tenderness drops, so harvest sooner rather than later.