Species Tropical Green Amaranth
red-green buds and red-green leaves on light-brown stems

Tropical Green Amaranth

Amaranthus viridis

The Tropical Green Amaranth is an annual plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is a coarse and erect shrub with bright green shiny leaves. Both the leaves and the stems are edible. Young leaves and stems are cooked and eaten as greens, either fresh or dried. They are high in iron and calcium and provide antioxidants and multiple vital nutrients. The stems are also used to make rope and the seeds, which look like tiny green pearls, are used in baking or to make soups. The striking chartreuse flower clusters can be used in floral arrangements or as a garnish for salads.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tropical Green Amaranth is a succulent plant that requires moderate levels of watering to maintain a healthy growth. It is best to water this species deeply, but infrequently, supplying water every 7-14 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. This species should ideally be watered in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding mid-day watering.

sunlight

Tropical Green Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and health. It should be placed in a part of the garden that receives full sun (ideally 8-10 hours of direct sunlight) during mid-day and early afternoon. Bright indirect light for the remainder of the day will also benefit the plant.

pruning

Tropical Green Amaranth should be pruned thoughout the growing season to remove any dead or damaged portions of the plant and help it remain compact. In addition, pruning should be done on an as-needed basis (e.g. if the plant becomes leggy or straggly) to help keep it in shape. Pruning should occur just above a leaf or a node so that the plant may regenerate and not be stressed. Pruning in late spring can help the plant focus energy on vegetative growth, and pruning in late summer can help the plant focus on branching and flowering. Additionally, any seed heads should be removed to prevent the plant from self-seeding and spreading too widely.