Green Amaranth Seeds - Chinese Spinach - Lu Hsien Heirloom - Amaranthus mangostanus

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 3-11 - Amaranth is a true warm-season annual. It is planted in all zones after the soil has become thoroughly warm and is harvested before the first frost of autumn.

Insight: Unlike true spinach, which fails in summer heat, amaranth thrives in it. This makes it an invaluable crop for gardeners in hot climates like Texas, providing a steady supply of fresh greens through July and August when other leafy vegetables have long since bolted.

Best Performance - Achieved in Zones 6-11, where summer heat and long, sunny days provide the perfect environment for rapid, vigorous, and tender leaf production.

Northern Zones (3-5) - Direct sow seeds only after the soil is consistently warm (65-70 degrees F), typically a few weeks after the last frost date. Amaranth's rapid growth ensures a full harvest during the summer months.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - This is an exceptional performer. Plant seeds from spring through late summer for a continuous harvest that will last well into the fall.

Soil Temperature - Germination requires very warm soil, with an optimal range of 70-85 degrees F. Planting in soil that is too cool will result in slow or failed germination.

Growing Season - This is a fast-maturing crop. Baby leaves can be harvested in 30-40 days, with full-sized plants ready in 45-60 days.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:
Direct sow seeds outdoors well after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is consistently warm—at least 70 degrees F. Starting indoors is generally not necessary due to its rapid growth in the garden.

Sowing and Spacing:

Seed Depth: The seeds are very small; plant them no more than 1/4 inch deep.

Spacing: Sow seeds about 1-2 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.

Thinning: Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to a final spacing of 6-10 inches apart. The thinnings are tender and delicious—they make an excellent first harvest.

Ongoing Care:

Light: Plant in full sun for the most vigorous growth.

Soil: Amaranth prefers fertile, well-draining soil but is highly adaptable and will tolerate average to poor soils.

Water: Water regularly until plants are established. While amaranth is quite drought-tolerant, consistent moisture will produce more tender and abundant leaves.

Fertilizing: Generally not required. If your soil is very poor, a mid-season feeding with a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer will boost leaf production.

Harvesting: You have two main options for harvesting. For a "cut-and-come-again" supply, regularly trim the top several inches of the young, tender stems and leaves, and the plant will regrow from the nodes below. Alternatively, you can harvest the entire young plant before it begins to flower for a single, large harvest of the most tender greens.