Pigweed
Amaranthus retroflexusfam. Amaranthaceae
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Pl. F6B3 — Amaranthus retroflexus
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IOverview
Overview
Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is an annual forb or herb native to the central and southeastern regions of Mexico. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is hardy across USDA zones 3-11. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, pigweed has been cultivated for its nutritional value and versatility in cooking. One distinctive feature of this plant is its adaptability to various soil types, making it a resilient choice for gardeners in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Pigweed?
Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is an annual forb or herb native to the central and southeastern regions of Mexico. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pigweed thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of 0.9 meters and is an annual forb/herb. Hardy in temperate regions from zones 3-11, it can be propagated through seeds. Harvest the edible leaves and seeds for use in cooking.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pigweed for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Pigweed for a simple gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, water can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay types. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5-1 cm deep in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist, water regularly but avoid overwatering. Place in full sun for best growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water consistently to maintain moisture levels. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune by cutting back stems to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from going to seed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight, allowing the plant to go to seed prematurely.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Pigweed leaves and seeds are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. Seeds are typically harvested and dried before being used whole or ground into flour for baking.
Other uses:DyeAnimal feedDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 25 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 25 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 5 native· 25 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)FrancePortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)CambodiaChina
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)Burkina FasoChad
Broader regions
native:Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Central
introduced:Argentina South, Argentina Northeast, Alberta, Baltic States, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Amur, California, Arkansas, Chile Central, Chile North, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, British Columbia
VIIIGarden companions
13 pairs
Garden companions
13 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Borage
Borago officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Pot marigold
Calendula officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Fagopyrum esculentum
Fagopyrum esculentum
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Garlic
Allium sativum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
Artemisia dracunculus
Artemisia dracunculus
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Living mulch
Lower-confidence guild pairing: low ground covers protect soil, reduce bare patches, and can be cut back if they compete.
Radish
Raphanus sativus
Trap crop
Lower-confidence guild pairing: trap crops can draw aphids or flea beetles away from the main crop when monitored and removed if overloaded.
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop
Lower-confidence guild pairing: trap crops can draw aphids or flea beetles away from the main crop when monitored and removed if overloaded.
Keep away from these
Avoid planting nearby — competition, allelopathy, or shared pests/diseases.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Amaranthaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Amaranthaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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