White Stem

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, luminous leaves emerge on crisp, pale stems—an airy, fresh-green flush that feels almost silken to the eye.

White Stem amaranth forms an upright, branching clump with succulent foliage and a clean, mild flavor that shines in quick sautés, soups, and hearty stir-fries, or as a vibrant addition to salads when young. Grow it for a steady harvest window: snip often for new growth, and enjoy the way its light stems keep the plant looking bright and garden-fresh through warm-season days.

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)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

White Stem amaranth is the kind of leafy that behaves—succulent leaves and a stem that still has bite, even when you cook it fast. Keep it bright with citrus, soy, sesame, and heat; it won’t taste harsh or muddy like tougher greens.

Best Uses

quick sauté with high heat so the leaves stay juicy and the stems snap
brothy soups where it stays bright and doesn’t collapse
hearty stir-fries for a fresh-green counterpoint to rich sauces
young-leaf salads to add a silken crunch and “fresh-cut” brightness

Flavor Profile

mild, sweet-green taste tender, succulent leaves crisp, slightly juicy stem bite lightly grassy freshness with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon sesame oil ginger soy sauce chile flakes feta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus viridis (white stem) and how can I control it?

A common problem is leaf-spotting fungal disease that shows as brown to black specks that spread on damp leaves. Water at the soil line, keep plants spaced for airflow, and remove badly spotted leaves to slow spread; if it’s actively spreading, use a labeled garden fungicide according to the label directions. Watch also for aphids on tender new growth and spray them off with a strong jet of water, repeating as needed.

How often should I water white stem amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) during the main growing phase?

During the 3–5 weeks of active leafy growth, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and increase frequency during hot, windy spells so plants don’t wilt and toughen. Mulch lightly to reduce moisture swings, and avoid wetting foliage to prevent leaf-spot issues.

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

Harvest at about 35 days after sowing when stems are tender and reach a usable size, before the plants become noticeably tougher. Cut stems cleanly at the base or harvest the young tops; frequent harvesting encourages more tender regrowth. If leaves start to look coarse or the plant shifts quickly into flowering, harvest immediately for the best texture.