Amaranthus tricolor
Amaranthus tricolor
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Pl. FC65 — Amaranthus tricolor
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus tricolor, commonly known as green or red amaranth, is an annual plant native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, India, and parts of Southeast Asia such as Jawa, Laos, and Vietnam. This versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 2-11 and grows up to 1 meter tall with a spread of about 0.66 meters. Amaranthus tricolor is both edible and ornamental, valued for its nutritious leaves, stems, and seeds. Its distinctive feature lies in the vibrant colors it can display, ranging from green to red, adding a splash of color to gardens or landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus tricolor?
Amaranthus tricolor, commonly known as green or red amaranth, is an annual plant native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, India, and parts of Southeast Asia such as Jawa, Laos, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus tricolor thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is well-draining or clay-like. It grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy soils and can reach a height of 1 meter with a width of about 0.66 meters. This annual plant is hardy in zones 2-11, making it adaptable to various climates. For propagation, use seeds and transplant them, spacing them 8-18 inches apart. Leaves, stems, and seeds are all edible parts that can be harvested for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-11
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.0 m × 0.66 m
- Propagation
- Seed - transplant
- Sow indoors
- 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Spacing
- 8-18inches
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus tricolor for the first time
7steps
Start with Amaranthus tricolor for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, a garden bed, water can or hose.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for containers or garden beds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant outdoors once the weather is warm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; protect from strong sun with shade cloth if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth; harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedStem
Edible uses: The amaranthus tricolor is eaten in various forms. Its leaves are often cooked and used as a vegetable. The seeds can be ground into flour or roasted for snacks. The stems may also be consumed, typically prepared by boiling. Skip the raw consumption of these parts, as cooking enhances their palatability.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Asia11 regions
native (9)BangladeshIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (2)CambodiaChina
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Dominican Republic
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)BeninCameroon
Broader regions
native:Sulawesi, Sumatera, New Guinea, Jawa, Borneo, Solomon Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Line Is., Malaya, Maluku
introduced:Central African Repu, Christmas I., Cayman Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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