White Leaf

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Dewy, tender leaves unfurl in a soft cascade of pale green to creamy white—delicate in feel yet boldly flavorful, with a gentle, earthy sweetness and a clean, leafy snap.

“White Leaf” grows quickly to a lush, upright harvest in about 35 days, producing abundant foliage with a fine, velvety texture that stays pleasantly crisp. Ideal for fresh salads and quick sauté-style skillet meals, it also shines in vibrant greens blends and hearty soups for a bright, mild amaranth character.

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)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

White Leaf amaranth is tender but not delicate-to-the-point-of-mush—its fine, velvety texture holds up when you hit it with heat for just long enough to wilt while keeping a leafy bite. Choose it when you want a bright, mildly sweet green that behaves well both raw and in a fast, last-minute steam/sauté.

Best Uses

tossed salads where it keeps crunch under vinaigrette
quick skillet sauté—wilt fast, keep stems crisp
bright greens blends for salads or wraps
stir-in soups and broths at the end for fresh color

Flavor Profile

gentle earthy sweetness clean leafy snap velvety, tender chew mild amaranth character that doesn’t overwhelm

Kitchen Pairings

lime ginger chile oil olive oil sesame chicken or eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Amaranthus viridis (white leaf), and how can I control them at home?

Watch for aphids and flea beetles, which can cause distorted new growth and holes in leaves—especially during warm, dry spells. Rinse plants with a strong spray of water for aphids, and use floating row cover until plants are established; for flea beetles, handpick early infestations and keep beds weed-free. If you see gray/brown leaf spots or downy-looking growth after humid weather, remove affected leaves and improve airflow with wider spacing between plants.

How often should I water Amaranthus viridis during its main growing phase to keep leaves tender?

During active leaf production (roughly weeks 2–5), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for watering whenever the top 1 inch of soil dries out. Use deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the surface start to dry before the next watering to reduce leaf-spot risk. Avoid letting it go completely dry, which can trigger early flowering and tougher leaves.

How do I know when Amaranthus viridis (white leaf) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 8–12 inches tall and leaves are large enough for picking—typically around 35 days after sowing. Pick outer leaves first (leave the top growing point intact) for continued harvest; stop when plants start forming flower heads. Leaves are best when harvested in the morning, when they’re crisp and at their freshest.