45-70 days to maturityAmaranthus tricolor ‘Hu Hsien’. Red Leaf Amaranth Seeds. Non-GMO, Heirloom. Annual. Amaranth is originally from the tropics of multiple continents; today, it is grown globally. The plant produces a high yield of tender leaves and vigorous growth in warm temperatures. Amaranth will tolerate hot, dry, and moist conditions but will not thrive in cold temperatures. All Amaranth plant leaves are nutritious and edible. However, Hu Hsein Red Leaf Amaranth has particularly delectable leaves. As the plant ages, the flavor intensifies. About 15,000 Seeds / Oz.
Amaranth Seeds - Red Leaf - Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Chinese Spinach xian cai, hiyu-na, edible amaranth, spinach, bayam, calaloo, klaroen, tampala, in tsoi, Java hahrensoh, or yin choi.
How to Grow Red Leaf Amaranth
Sow seeds after the last frost in a warm, sunny location. The time of year does not matter as much as the available temperature and light. Amaranth can be sown by broadcasting and thinned during growth. Keep soil moist. Fertilizer is not usually needed, especially nitrogen fertilizer, as the soil will accumulate excess nitrates. Keep the area weed-free. Grows well in containers.
Amaranth can be grown between tall or climbing crops such as gourds or beans; this provides a bit of heat and shelter. Unnecessary transplanting and root handling can cause premature flowering, decreasing the edible quality of the leaves.
Harvesting Red Leaf Amaranth
The plant can be harvested at serval stages: microgreens, 4” tall seedlings, an entire immature plant, or individual leaves off a mature plant. All are used similarly but the texture and flavor intensity change.
Culinary Tips
Use stir-fry, soup, and fresh in a salad. The leaves and stems can be eaten. If the stems are older or thick, peel them or chunk them into segments about 1-2” long and cook them before consuming. Delightful when paired with mint flavoring.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“I have learned that Amaranthus leaves cook even faster than spinach leaves. Don’t walk away from the pan!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 3 g packet - Approximately 1,500 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 15,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 60,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 240,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 1,200,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Amaranthus tricolor ‘Hu Hsien’ |
| Red Leaf Amaranth Color: | This variety has large, light green leaves with red a red center and veins. |
| Amaranth Flavor: | The flavor is often described as similar to spinach or artichokes with a distinctive ‘twang’. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 45-70 days |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 1/8-1/16” |
| Row Spacing: | 24-48 inches |
| Plant Height: | 14-40’ |
| Growth Habit: | Erect, branching tender-leafed bush. |
| Soil Preference: | Sandy, light and fertile soil. Will tolerate acidic soils. |
| Temperature Preference: | 60-90℉ |
| Light Preference: | Full sun to part shade (More sun is needed in colder climates). |
Other Info
| Plant Width: | 12-36 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Avoid water on the leaves and remove any impacted plant matter promptly. Damping off, brown rust, tarnished plant bug (Lygnus lineolaris), leaf spot, caterpillars, stem borers, and wet rot have been reported in various parts of the world at different times. |
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