Red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)

Product code : JAREC-0082

Organic red Aztec spinach is an ancient plant of great presence that elegantly combines the nourishing abundance of the vegetable garden with the ornamental brilliance of the liveliest gardens. Its upright silhouette catches the summer light and attracts the eye from afar, while offering refuge and interest to a host of beneficial insects. In the garden, it appreciates warmth, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil, where it grows with vigor and generosity. As the season progresses, its flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. Spectacular, nourishing, and easy to grow, this amaranth brings a heritage, ecological, and gourmet dimension to the garden.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
About 300 seeds
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Annual

Discover the plant

Common nameRed Aztec spinach; red amaranth
FamilyAmaranthaceae
GenusAmaranth
Speciesbloody
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameAmaranthus cruentus
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes

Red Aztec Spinach (Amaranthus cruentus). Organic red Aztec spinach is an ancient plant of great presence that elegantly combines the nutritional abundance of the vegetable garden with the ornamental splendor of the most vibrant gardens. Its upright silhouette catches the summer light and attracts attention from afar, while offering refuge and interest to a host of beneficial insects. In the garden, it thrives in warmth, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil, where it grows vigorously and generously. As the season progresses, its flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests.

Recommended sowing period: May to June. The depth to respect is 1 cm (0.4 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the potting soil at 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). Distribute leafy vegetable seeds evenly to avoid an overly dense carpet of seedlings. Thin or transplant according to the type of crop, keeping the vigorous subjects. Staggered sowings over time allow for harvesting leaves at different stages. Identify dates to track growth.

Leafy vegetables benefit from being placed near a pathway, as they are often harvested in small quantities. Organize short rows or identified groups to select ready plants without trampling the soil. Leave room for the heart or head depending on the type cultivated. In a vegetable garden composition, different colored foliage allows for identifying varieties and preparing varied salads. As the season progresses, its flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. A planter of leafy vegetables allows for keeping a harvest close to the kitchen.

Épinard des Aztèques rouge. Épis et feuilles d’amarante réunis dans une coupe. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

1 cm (0.4 in)

Germination temperature

20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

May to June

Propagation

Sowing

Growing method

Recommended sowing period: May to June. The required depth is 1 cm (0.4 in). Emergence usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil mix at 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). Distribute leafy vegetable seeds evenly to avoid an overcrowded bed of seedlings. Thin out or transplant according to the type of crop, keeping the most vigorous plants. Sowing in succession allows for harvesting leaves at different stages. Label dates to track growth. During hot periods, monitor the surface of the seedbed: it can dry out before roots reach a cooler layer. For leaf-by-leaf harvesting, start with the outer leaves and preserve the center of the plant. Headed types can also be harvested whole when the heart is well formed. A young leaf is generally more tender than a leaf left on for too long. Rinse the harvest before preparation and avoid crushing the remaining foliage. Observe the elongation of the central stem to detect the beginning of bolting. Leafy vegetables require harvesting adjusted to the type of plant.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Regular during establishment, then adapted to growing conditions

Watering

Moderate

Soil type

Rich and well-drained

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and takes into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the dosage instructions. Avoid using multiple products, especially in a container where the roots occupy a limited volume. Water as needed after application and observe the foliage development before re-fertilizing.

Moisture

Moist soil during germination, with no standing water; then adjust as needed for cultivation

Seasonal care

As the season progresses, its flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual appeal of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. Spread leafy vegetable seeds evenly to avoid an overly dense carpet of seedlings. Thin out or transplant according to the crop type, keeping vigorous specimens. Spreading out sowing times allows for harvesting leaves at different stages. Identify dates to monitor growth. During hot periods, monitor the surface of the seedbed: it can dry out before the roots have reached a cooler layer. For leaf-by-leaf harvests, start with the outer leaves and preserve the center of the plant. Headed types can also be harvested whole when the heart is well formed. A young leaf is generally more tender than a leaf left too long. Rinse the harvest before preparation and avoid crushing the remaining foliage. Observe the elongation of the central stem to identify the beginning of bolting. Leafy vegetables require harvesting adjusted to the plant type. Outer picking preserves the heart when you wish to continue production. Very old leaves do not offer the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it carefully before a short stay in the refrigerator. Organic red Aztec spinach is an ancient plant of great presence that elegantly unites the nourishing abundance of the vegetable garden with the ornamental brilliance of the most vibrant gardens.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A sturdy, perforated container, wide enough for the plant to spread out and deep enough for its roots
Choose this exposure: full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches). A leafy vegetable planter allows you to keep a harvest close to the kitchen. Use all available surface without crowding plants against the edge. Headed types require more space than leaves harvested very young. Monitor humidity regularly and water under the foliage as much as possible. Harvest with clean scissors and remove damaged leaves to keep the heart accessible and aerated. Organic red Aztec spinach is an ancient plant of great presence that elegantly combines the nourishing abundance of the vegetable garden and the ornamental brilliance of the liveliest gardens. Its upright silhouette catches the summer light and attracts the eye from afar, while offering refuge and interest to a host of useful insects. In the garden, it appreciates warmth, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil, where it grows with vigor and generosity. As the season progresses, its flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. Spectacular, nutritious, and easy to grow, this amaranth brings a patrimonial, ecological, and gourmet dimension to the garden.
Sachet de semences Épinard des Aztèques rouge. Emballage blanc photographié de face sur un fond de bois brun. Une image du végétal occupe la partie centrale, sous le nom imprimé. De petits pictogrammes et un code-barres apparaissent au bas du sachet. La marque Écoumène figure dans la partie supérieure de cette présentation.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft)

Width / spread

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Growth habit

Drafted

Bloom period

July to September

Fruiting

As the season progresses, their flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. Leafy greens require harvesting adjusted to the type of plant. An outer harvest preserves the heart when you want to continue production. Very old leaves do not offer the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it carefully before a short stay in the refrigerator.

Harvest

July to September
Épinard des Aztèques rouge. Épis et feuilles d’amarante réunis dans une coupe. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

In a diversified plantation, you can dedicate neighboring sections to these plants: corn, beans, squash, and basil. Here, the association serves to organize space and harvests. Respect the height, light, and water needs of each plant, without crowding the foliage. Keep an aisle for watering and harvesting, then remove spent crops to free up space. This organization facilitates maintenance without promising pest protection. Leafy greens benefit from being placed near a pathway, as they are often harvested in small quantities.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Leaves
Cooking idea with Red Aztec Spinach: sautéed vegetables for four servings. Prepare 400g of the harvested portion, one garlic clove, 15ml of oil, and 30ml of water. Cut the stems, ribs, or firm parts into small pieces and set the leaves aside. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic without burning it, then add the firm pieces and water. Cover for a few minutes. Then add the leaves or tender parts and continue cooking until the desired texture is reached. Season to taste and serve hot. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cutting to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, ensure enough space in the pan to mix or cook evenly. Promptly refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and consume within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How to successfully sow Red Aztec Spinach?
Recommended sowing period: May to June. The recommended depth is 1 cm (0.4 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the potting mix at 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). Distribute leafy vegetable seeds evenly to avoid an overly dense carpet of seedlings. Thin out or transplant according to the type of crop, keeping the vigorous plants. Staggered sowing allows for harvesting leaves at different stages. Label the dates to track growth. During hot periods, monitor the surface of the seedbed: it can dry out before the roots have reached a cooler layer.
Can you grow Red Aztec Spinach in a pot?
Choose this exposure: sun. Reserve this spacing around the plant: 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in). A leafy vegetable planter allows you to keep a harvest close to the kitchen. Use all available surface area without pressing the plants against the edge. Headed varieties require more space than leaves harvested very young. Monitor humidity regularly and water under the foliage as much as possible. Harvest with clean scissors and remove damaged leaves to keep the heart accessible and aerated. Organic red Aztec spinach is an ancient plant of great distinction that elegantly unites the nourishing abundance of the vegetable garden and the ornamental brilliance of the most vibrant gardens.
When to harvest Aztec Red Spinach?
As the season progresses, their flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. Leafy greens require harvesting adjusted to the type of plant. An outer harvest preserves the heart when you want to continue production. Very old leaves do not have the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it carefully before a short stay in the refrigerator. For leaf-by-leaf harvesting, start with the outer leaves and preserve the center of the plant. Headed types can also be harvested whole when the heart is well formed.
What makes Red Aztec Spinach stand out in the garden?
Organic Red Aztec Spinach is a stately ancient plant that elegantly combines the nutritional abundance of the vegetable garden with the ornamental brilliance of the liveliest gardens. Its upright silhouette captures the summer light and catches the eye from afar, while offering refuge and interest to a host of beneficial insects. In the garden, it thrives in heat, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil, where it grows vigorously and generously. As the season progresses, its flamboyant inflorescences extend the visual interest of the vegetable garden while promising varied harvests. Spectacular, nutritious, and easy to grow, this amaranth brings a heritage, ecological, and gourmet dimension to the garden.
How to organize a planting of Red Aztec Spinach?
Leafy vegetables benefit from being planted near a path, as they are often harvested in small quantities. Organize short rows or identified groups to pick ready plants without trampling the soil. Leave room for the heart or head depending on the type grown. In a vegetable garden composition, different colored foliage helps to identify varieties and prepare varied salads. For leaf-by-leaf harvests, start with the outer leaves and preserve the center of the plant. Headed types can also be harvested whole when the heart is well formed. A young leaf is generally more tender than a leaf left too long.