Does it need full sun?

Yes, it requires full sun to develop its most intense leaf colors.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It grows very well in containers as long as they have good drainage.

Plant guide

Red Amaranth.

Amaranthus tricolor

Pronounced am-uh-RAN-thus TRY-kuh-lor

Also known as Chinese amaranth, Chinese-spinach, Edible amaranth, Joseph's Coat, Joseph's-coat, Tampala

Joseph's Coat — Photo by portioid (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Red Amaranth is a striking annual known for its vibrant, multicolored foliage that adds a bold splash of color to any garden. It thrives in warm weather and is often grown for both its ornamental beauty and edible leaves. You'll find it's a fantastic choice if you want a fast growing plant that really stands out.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Mid summer to early autumn

Care

Plant these in a spot that gets plenty of sun to keep those leaf colors bright and intense. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and watch for wilting as a sign that it needs a drink. It's a tough plant, but it really appreciates a little extra water during the hottest parts of summer.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back the growing tips to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Since this is an annual, you typically won't need to repot it unless you are starting it in a container.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered safe but can cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities raw.
Children: The seeds are tiny and could pose a minor choking hazard if handled by very small children.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to tiny hairs.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
Edibility: While the leaves are edible when young, they contain oxalates and should be cooked to reduce potential irritation.

How to identify it

Vibrant red, yellow, and green leaves
Oval shaped foliage with pointed tips
Upright growth habit reaching several feet
Small, inconspicuous flowers in dense clusters

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: red, yellow, green, deciduous
Flowers: green, yellow, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Damping OffCommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: Spring

Plant them in groups to create a bold, colorful display that highlights their foliage.

Grows well with

Marigold · They share similar sun and water requirements.
Zinnia · They provide a nice contrast in texture and color.

Similar species

Love Lies Bleeding · It is a related species with similar growth habits and needs.

Science

Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Amaranthus
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical Asia
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated globally.

It thrives in warm, sunny environments and is highly adaptable to various soil types provided they are well drained.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental foliage, edible greens, container gardening

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it requires full sun to develop its most intense leaf colors.
Can I grow it in a pot?: It grows very well in containers as long as they have good drainage.

Where the name comes from

The genus name comes from the Greek word amarantos, meaning unfading, while the species name tricolor refers to the three colors often found on the leaves.

Good to know

It is a popular ornamental in tropical regions.
The leaves become more vibrant in full sun.
It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family.
The plant is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Keep your red amaranth growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.