Amaranthus tenuifolius
Amaranthus tenuifoliusfam. Amaranthaceae
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Pl. 4772 — Amaranthus tenuifolius
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus tenuifolius, a light-loving annual with a native range in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, is known for its edible leaves and seeds. This plant thrives in moist conditions and can adapt to various soil types, from sandy to heavy clay. Found in regions such as Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, India, and parts of Southeast Asia, A. tenuifolius has been cultivated for its nutritious value, with both the leaves and seeds being edible. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow well in full sun, making it a versatile addition to gardens and agricultural settings where space and sunlight are abundant.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus tenuifolius?
Amaranthus tenuifolius, a light-loving annual with a native range in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, is known for its edible leaves and seeds. This plant thrives in moist conditions and can adapt to various soil types, from sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus tenuifolius thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy. It is an annual plant that grows well in areas with a tropical climate, such as those found in its native range. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining but consistently moist to prevent wilting. Propagate through seeds for best results. Harvest leaves and seeds for edible use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus tenuifolius for the first time
8steps
Start with Amaranthus tenuifolius for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or garden space, water can, soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a pot at least 10 inches deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in warm weather.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide plenty of sunlight. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back young shoots for bushier growth and to encourage more leaves. Harvest leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting sunlight, not fertilizing enough, waiting too long to harvest.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Amaranthus tenuifolius are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, often added to salads or stir-fries. Seeds are typically dried before being ground into flour or used whole in various dishes.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Asia11 regions
native (9)BangladeshIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (2)CambodiaChina
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)AngolaBeninCameroon
Broader regions
native:Lesser Sunda Is., Solomon Is., New Guinea, Line Is., Malaya, Jawa, Borneo, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Maluku
introduced:Christmas I., Central African Repu, Cayman Is.
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
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 47726a46-c0f2-43d0-ba6f-9537b3443fa8
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