Amaranthus standleyanus
Amaranthus standleyanusfam. Amaranthaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. A93B — Amaranthus standleyanus
Amaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanusAmaranthus standleyanus
IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus standleyanus, known as Skip in English, is an annual plant native to the northeastern and northwestern regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This amaranth species thrives in moist environments with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.5. Standing at about 0.7 meters tall, Skip is notable for its edible leaves and seeds, making it valuable both as a food source and an ornamental plant. Its adaptability to various soil types and its light requirement of 8 out of 10 suggest that it can grow in diverse conditions within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus standleyanus?
Amaranthus standleyanus, known as Skip in English, is an annual plant native to the northeastern and northwestern regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This amaranth species thrives in moist environments with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus standleyanus thrives in light to medium soil types and prefers a slightly alkaline environment with a pH of 7-7.5. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil textures from sandy to clay. This annual plant grows up to 0.7 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens across many climates. For optimal growth, provide ample light and keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest its edible leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.7 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus standleyanus for the first time
8steps
Start with Skip by planting it in a sunny spot and following these simple steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Skip seeds, a small trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 7-7.5).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds about 0.5 inches deep, spacing them 6-8 inches apart in rows.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide light shade if temperatures are very warm.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune leaves as needed for harvesting, and remove any yellowing foliage to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough light are common issues beginners face.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The amaranth species Amaranthus standleyanus is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten fresh or cooked, while the seeds may be used in various preparations such as grinding into flour or being boiled. Both parts of the plant can be enjoyed raw or prepared through cooking methods.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 23 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 5 native· 23 introduced
Europe13 regions
introduced (13)AustriaBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandSpainSwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
introduced (1)China
Americas3 regions
native (3)BoliviaParaguayUruguay
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)Cabo VerdeLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast
introduced:Free State, Turkey-in-Europe, Ascension, Baltic States
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
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · a93b2b92-45b9-4c67-9f13-069d201857be
Decision aid
Choosing between Amaranthus standleyanus and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.