Spinach Amaranth

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, spinach-like leaves unfurl with a lush, velvet sheen and a pleasantly mild, green bite that’s never harsh.

Spinach Amaranth (Callaloo) forms an upright, branching plant that keeps producing succulent foliage quickly—ideal for frequent harvests at about 35 days. Grow it for bold, leafy flavor in callaloo-style dishes and for fresh, vibrant greens that shine in sautés and quick braises.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Spinach 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	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
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

Spinach Amaranth is built for speed: its tender leaves wilt fast into something silky without turning stringy, so it rewards high heat and short timing. Go coconut-forward or citrus-bright—the mild green bite is a great canvas for assertive aromatics and creamy, fatty sauces.

Best Uses

callaloo-style sauté with coconut milk and aromatics
quick wilting in hot oil—then folded into rice or beans
fast braise with stock and a squeeze of citrus to brighten
blending into silky purées or dumpling/pancake fillings

Flavor Profile

mild spinach-like savor tender, succulent leaf texture green, slightly earthy bite that stays sweet quick-cooking tenderness with silky mouthfeel

Kitchen Pairings

coconut milk garlic ginger lime or lemon black beans smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most commonly affects Amaranthus dubius (spinach amaranth), and how can I control it?

Spinach amaranth in home gardens commonly suffers from leaf-chewing caterpillars and aphids; leaves may look ragged or sticky with ants visiting. Hand-pick caterpillars early, blast aphids off with a strong water spray, and apply insecticidal soap to affected leaf surfaces in the evening, repeating every 5–7 days until you see no new damage. Keep plants spaced for airflow to reduce leaf spotting and remove heavily infected leaves promptly.

How often should I water Amaranthus dubius during the main growing phase to keep it producing tender leaves?

During the active leaf-growth period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In warm weather, this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing to more frequent watering if the soil dries out faster. Water at the soil line to avoid wetting the leaves, and pause watering only long enough to prevent soggy soil (which can reduce leaf quality and invite foliar issues).

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

Harvest when plants are about 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall and the leaves are tender and fully expanded, typically around 30–35 days from sowing. Pick outer leaves first and leave the growing tip intact so the plant can keep producing; you should notice new leaf flushes within about a week. If leaves turn tough or the plant starts pushing up flowering stalks, harvest becomes less desirable—begin picking sooner next time.