Tiger Leaf

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Velvety, tiger-striped leaves unfurl with a dramatic green-and-amber variegation that looks almost luminous in the garden.

Tiger Leaf amaranth delivers tender, succulent foliage with a mild, spinach-like flavor and a pleasantly crisp bite, ideal for quick stir-ins and hearty sautés, as well as fresh salads and vibrant sauces. Grow it for a fast 35-day turnaround—each harvest rewards you with abundant, leafy growth that stays flavorful and never turns tough too quickly.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 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	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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tiger Leaf amaranth eats like a leaf that’s ready for speed: it wilts quickly but still keeps a crisp, juicy bite, so it doesn’t collapse into greenness. Choose it when you want spinach-adjacent flavor with better texture control—hot, cold, or blended into a zingy sauce.

Best Uses

quick hot stir-ins where the leaves stay snappy
garlicky, lemony sautés that wilt fast and keep a clean green taste
tossing raw in salads for texture (especially with creamy dressings)
blending into bright sauces/pestos where it stays tender

Flavor Profile

mild, spinach-like earthiness velvety leaves with a crisp, succulent bite fresh green flavor that stays sweet without going starchy

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil ginger chili feta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (tiger leaf), and how do I control it at home?

Tiger leaf is often troubled by aphids, which cluster on tender growth and can stunt plants. Spray a strong jet of water to knock them off, then use insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is free of aphids. If plants start showing leaf spot, remove badly affected leaves and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry.

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

During the main growth phase, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, increasing to more frequent watering during hot, dry weather. Aim water at the soil, because consistently wet leaves can increase the chance of leaf spot.

How can I tell when Amaranthus cruentus (tiger leaf) is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 35 days after sowing when plants are actively growing and leaves are large enough for picking but still tender (young leaves snap or bend easily). For best flavor, harvest the outer leaves first and take no more than about one-third of the foliage at a time. Continue harvesting every few days to encourage fresh leaf growth until flowering begins.