Green Amaranth Seeds: Dense Sow for Baby Greens in 14–21 Days

Answer: Green amaranth is a fast-growing leafy green that produces tender, spinach-like baby leaves in as little as 30 days with proper warm soil, full sun, and consistent moisture. Dense sowing and early harvesting at the cotyledon or true-leaf stage can yield harvestable greens within 14–21 days, making it ideal for continuous cut-and-come-again production.

• Soil temperature: 65–75°F optimal; avoid sowing below 50°F.
• Spacing: 6–12" apart for mature plants; denser for baby greens.
• Moisture: keep soil consistently moist until germination; water from below to prevent damping off.
• Light: minimum 6 hours daily sunlight; thrives in heat.
• Germination: 4–10 days in warm conditions; seeds are very small.

Why Grow Green Amaranth for Baby Greens

Green amaranth, also called Chinese spinach or Lu Hsien, is a heat-loving crop that thrives where many cool-season greens struggle. Unlike spinach or lettuce, amaranth tolerates warm soil and produces tender, nutty-flavored leaves with minimal pest pressure. The plant is a "cut-and-come-again" producer, meaning you harvest outer leaves repeatedly while the plant continues growing, extending your harvest window.

Young amaranth leaves are tender and mild, much like spinach, while larger mature leaves develop a distinct flavor better suited to steaming or stews. For gardeners seeking fast, reliable greens in warm climates or during summer months, green amaranth fills a genuine gap in the growing calendar.

Seed Selection and Preparation

Amaranth seeds are extremely small—roughly the size of a poppy seed. This requires care during sowing to avoid clumping. Choose organic, non-GMO varieties labeled for greens production, such as Green Tails or other heirloom cultivars. Store seeds in a cool, dry place; they remain viable for up to 3 years.

Before sowing, ensure your soil is well-draining and fertile. Amaranth tolerates a wide range of soil pH (6.0–7.5 is ideal) and soil types, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. If your soil tends to stay wet, amend with compost or perlite to improve drainage.

Dense Sowing for Baby Greens

Direct Sowing Outdoors

Sow seeds directly into garden beds or containers after nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and soil temperature reaches at least 65°F. Plant seeds 1/8" deep in well-draining soil in full sun. For baby greens, sow seeds densely—scatter them across the bed rather than spacing them 6–12" apart. This creates a microgreens-like effect where you harvest tender leaves at 2–4 weeks.

Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged) until germination occurs, typically within 4–10 days. Once seedlings emerge, water from below to prevent damping off, a fungal disease that kills young plants.

Indoor Starting for Earlier Harvest

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost in seed-starting trays or small pots. Use a humidity dome to maintain moisture and keep soil temperature at 65–75°F. Plant 2–3 seeds per cell using a toothpick to space them; thin to the strongest seedling once they develop true leaves.

Seedlings are ready to transplant outdoors once they are several inches tall and have been hardened off (gradually exposed to outdoor conditions). Space transplants 6–12" apart for full-size plants, or closer for a baby-green harvest.

Optimal Growing Conditions

Temperature and Light

Amaranth is a heat-loving plant that performs best when daytime temperatures range from 72–85°F. Growth slows significantly below 68°F and the plant struggles to germinate below 50°F. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily; more is better. In cooler climates, use row covers or grow in containers that can be moved to sunny microclimates.

Watering and Soil

Water consistently to keep soil moist but not soggy. Typically, 1 inch of water per week is sufficient, but in hot weather or sandy soil, you may need to water more frequently. Amaranth roots are prone to rot if soil stays waterlogged, so ensure drainage is excellent. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

Amaranth responds well to fertile soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, work in compost or well-rotted manure. For continuous harvests, side-dress with compost or apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can delay flowering and seed production if you plan to save seeds later.

Harvest Timeline and Techniques

Baby Greens (14–21 Days)

For the fastest harvest, pick tender leaves as soon as the plant develops 2–4 true leaves, typically 2–3 weeks after sowing. At this stage, leaves are most tender and mild. Use scissors to cut leaves just above the soil line, or pinch off individual leaves from the top. The plant will continue producing new leaves from the growing tip.

Mature Greens (Ongoing)

Allow plants to grow larger and harvest outer leaves continuously, leaving the central growing tip intact. This "cut-and-come-again" method extends your harvest for 6–8 weeks or until the first frost. Larger leaves have a more pronounced, nutty flavor and are better suited to cooking than raw consumption.

Storage

Harvest in the early morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Rinse gently and store in a breathable container in the refrigerator; amaranth greens keep for 3–5 days. For longer storage, blanch and freeze in ice-cube trays or freezer bags.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Planting Too Early

Sowing before soil temperature reaches 60°F results in slow germination and weak seedlings. Wait until late spring when nighttime temperatures are consistently warm. Using a soil thermometer removes guesswork.

Overwatering

Wet soil invites damping off and root rot. Water thoroughly but allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water at soil level rather than overhead.

Insufficient Light

Seedlings grown indoors without adequate light become leggy and weak. Provide 14–16 hours of bright light daily using grow lights positioned 2–3 inches above seedlings. Increase light intensity as plants grow.

Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest

Sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks throughout the warm season to ensure a continuous supply of tender greens. This staggered approach prevents feast-or-famine cycles and keeps your kitchen supplied with fresh amaranth.

Companion Planting

Plant amaranth with corn to provide afternoon shade and retain soil moisture. Amaranth also attracts beneficial predatory ground beetles that control garden pests, making it a valuable addition to polyculture systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow amaranth indoors year-round?

Yes, with supplemental lighting and warm temperatures (65–75°F). Grow amaranth in containers under LED grow lights for 14–16 hours daily. Indoor growing eliminates frost risk and allows winter production in cold climates.

How do I prevent damping off in seedlings?

Use sterile seed-starting mix, ensure excellent air circulation with a small fan, water from below rather than overhead, and avoid overwatering. Remove any seedlings showing signs of disease immediately.

Are amaranth greens nutritious?

Yes. Amaranth leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, minerals like calcium and iron, and antioxidants. Young leaves are tender enough to eat raw in salads, while mature leaves are typically cooked.

What pests affect amaranth?

Amaranth is relatively pest-resistant, but slugs and snails may damage young seedlings. Use row covers to protect young plants, hand-pick pests, or apply organic slug baits if needed.

Can I save seeds from my plants?

Absolutely. Allow plants to mature and flower; seed heads will turn brown when ready. Cut spikes, dry them upside down, and shake seeds into a paper bag. Store dried seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for several months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Safety and Sources

Green amaranth is a food crop with no known toxicity when consumed as a leafy green. However, like all leafy greens, wash thoroughly before eating to remove soil and debris. Some people with oxalate sensitivity may want to limit consumption; cooking reduces oxalate levels. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Key sources for this guide:

• So Right Seeds – Growing Amaranth for Flowers and Grain
• West Coast Seeds – How to Grow Amaranth Grain
• Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association – Amaranth: An Ancient Food for Modern Gardens

Expert insight: "Amaranth seedlings are indistinguishable from redroot pigweed when direct-seeded, making transplanting a practical choice to avoid competition and confusion during the critical early weeks." – Will Bonsall, sustainable agriculture specialist, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association.

Key statistic: Under optimal conditions, at least 70% of amaranth seeds will germinate, and seedlings can produce harvestable baby greens within 30 days of sowing.

Wrap-Up

Green amaranth is a reliable, fast-growing crop that thrives in warm conditions and delivers tender, nutritious greens in as little as 2–3 weeks. By dense sowing, maintaining consistent warmth and moisture, and harvesting regularly, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh amaranth throughout the warm season. Whether you're growing for baby greens or mature leaves, this heat-loving plant adapts well to gardens, containers, and even indoor setups with supplemental light. Start with a small trial planting to familiarize yourself with the crop, then expand to succession plantings for year-round harvests in warm climates.