Splendens Perfecta

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Tender, jewel-green foliage unfurls with a velvety, slightly succulent bite—Splendens Perfecta amaranth delivers a lush harvest in just about 45 days.

The leaves hold their color beautifully and feel pleasantly soft, with a mild, earthy sweetness that shines in fresh bunches and quick sauté-style preparations. Grow it for abundant, upright growth that makes a striking edible centerpiece and keeps your greens coming through repeated harvests.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Splendens Perfecta

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
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	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Splendens Perfecta’s tender, jewel-green leaves give you a soft, succulent mouthfeel with an earthy sweetness that doesn’t need long cooking to show up. It’s a greens-first crop—use it hot and brief (sauté, blanch, or wilt into grains) so it stays velvet rather than collapses into swamp.

Best Uses

quick sauté or stir-fry where the leaves stay glossy and tender
blanch-and-drain for silky texture with a quick butter/garlic finish
tossed into warm grain bowls (bulgur, farro) to wilt without turning mushy
raw in small handfuls mixed with sharper greens for contrast

Flavor Profile

mild earthy sweetness velvety, slightly succulent leaf bite gentle vegetal savor

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter shallot chicken stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most often affects Amaranthus cruentus, and how can I control it?

Amaranthus cruentus is commonly hit by leaf-chewing caterpillars (plus aphids on tender growth). Hand-pick caterpillars early in the morning and spray affected foliage with insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days until new growth is clean; keep plants spaced so air can dry leaves quickly to reduce fungal spotting.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during active growth?

During the main growing phase, keep the top 1 inch of soil evenly moist—water when it starts to dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil, and water at the base to avoid wet foliage. Aim for steady moisture through the 30–45 day period so leaves develop well; don’t let it swing from dry to soggy, which can stress plants.

How do I know when to harvest Amaranthus cruentus?

Harvest at about 40–45 days when plants are actively leafy and reach a usable height, taking tender outer leaves first (they’re best before they get tough). For the longest tenderness window, cut 2–3 inch portions of shoots or pinch leaves regularly, avoiding removing more than about one-third of the plant at a time.