Amaranthus thunbergii
Amaranthus thunbergiifam. Amaranthaceae
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Pl. 93A1 — Amaranthus thunbergii
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus thunbergii, a light-loving annual herb with a maximum height of 0.5 meters, is native to regions including Angola, Botswana, and Ethiopia. This plant thrives in moist conditions and can adapt to various soil types, from sandy to clay-heavy soils. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it has been cultivated for its nutritional value across its native range. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in diverse environments, making it a versatile addition to gardens or agricultural settings.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus thunbergii?
Amaranthus thunbergii, a light-loving annual herb with a maximum height of 0.5 meters, is native to regions including Angola, Botswana, and Ethiopia. This plant thrives in moist conditions and can adapt to various soil types, from sandy to clay-heavy soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus thunbergii thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows to about 0.5 meters tall and is best suited for temperate regions. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden once all danger of frost has passed. The edible parts include leaves and seeds. Ensure consistent moisture to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus thunbergii for the first time
8steps
Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance annual plant for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in late spring after the last frost date in your area.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 meters apart in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering as needed, especially in hot weather. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage. Remove spent flowers to promote more blooms.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners face with Skip.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Amaranthus thunbergii are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are often dried before consumption. This versatile plant thrives in full sun and various soil types, making it a useful addition to gardens where its nutritious parts can be harvested for culinary use.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 20 native· 3 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Germany
Africa15 regions
native (15)AngolaBotswanaEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaKenyaLesothoMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaSomaliaTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Zaïre, Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces
introduced:St.Helena, South Carolina
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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