Red Garnet Amaranth
Amaranthus tricolor
A leafy green from the amaranth family with gorgeous red/green variegated leaves. They will take on a deeper red when exposed to heat, and direct sunlight. The leaves are higher in calcium and niacin than spinach. The young fresh tender leaves are great in a salad. It's also very popular in Asian stir fries, as well as African soups . Very heat tolerant green, grown as a summer crop here in Central Florida.
Days to germination | 5-15 days |
Days to maturity | 60-90 days |
Life cycle | Annual |
Plant time | Spring through Summer; harvest into early Fall |
Spacing | 6-18 inches |
Sun | Full sun |
Soil temperature | 60-90 degrees |
Optimum soil P.H |
6.1-7.0 |
Height | 12-36 inches |
Harvest | Harvest amaranth leaves as needed. The younger leaves are better raw and the older leaves are better cooked due to oxalates. Tip the plant for a more bushy plant. Seeds are eaten as a healthy grain. |