Tricolor Splendor

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Tender, fast-growing Tricolor Splendor unfurls in a living tapestry—velvety leaves with vivid streaks of emerald, rose, and warm gold that feel as lush as they look.

The flavor is pleasantly mild and grassy with a gentle sweetness, and the texture stays succulent through harvest, making it ideal for fresh salads, quick sautéing, and vibrant stir-ins. Grow it for bold color that holds its charm in sauces and quick pickles, turning everyday greens into a garden showpiece at just 35 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Tricolor Splendor

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)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This leafy amaranth stays soft and wet-succulent rather than fibrous, so it holds up to high-heat quick cooking without turning chewy. Use it late in the pan for a clean, grassy-sweet bite that plays nicely with bright acid and toasted aromatics.

Best Uses

quick sauté with garlic and oil, keeping leaves glossy and not overcooked
toss into fresh salads for color that doesn’t get tough
stir-in to hot rice or noodles at the last minute
quick-pickled ribbons for tangy crunch

Flavor Profile

mild, grassy sweetness tender, succulent leaves gentle earthy snap

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon sesame oil ginger chili feta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (Joseph’s Coat) like Tricolor Splendor, and how do I control it?

Amaranthus cruentus is commonly troubled by aphids that cluster on tender growth and can cause leaf distortion and sooty mold. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock aphids off, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; for heavier infestations, use insecticidal soap and cover the undersides of leaves. Keep plants evenly spaced for airflow, and remove heavily infested tips early to slow spread.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during its main growth phase?

During active growth, water to keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply in the morning so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid frequent light sprinkles that leave roots shallow. If leaves wilt midday in hot weather but recover by evening, increase the next watering amount rather than adding extra shallow sessions.

How can I tell when Tricolor Splendor (Amaranthus cruentus) is ready to harvest at ~35 days?

Harvest when the plants are fully colored and well-branched, and the flower/seed head clusters are firm and developed (usually around day 35). For leafy use, pick outer leaves once they’re about palm-sized and tender, before stems get tough. For seed or head harvest, wait until the seed heads look dry and papery and the individual florets/seed structures are mature; cut heads and dry them indoors if they’re still slightly damp.