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Hu Hsien Amaranth is a vibrant red-leafed annual that delivers tender, nutritious greens in just 30 to 39 days, making it one of the quickest leafy vegetables to harvest. This heirloom variety thrives in warm conditions and produces vigorous growth even in hot, dry weather that would slow other greens. The plant reaches 14 to 40 inches tall depending on growing conditions, with a compact bush habit that fits easily into garden beds or containers. Its tropical origins mean it craves warmth and sunlight, rewarding gardeners with a high yield of edible leaves throughout the season.
Full Sun
Moderate
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Moderate
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Hu Hsien amaranth handles heat and drought far better than traditional greens, making it invaluable for gardeners in hot climates or during intense summer months. The red foliage is visually stunning in the garden, and the leaves remain tender and palatable even as temperatures soar. Its rapid 30 to 39 day harvest window means you can sow succession crops every few weeks for continuous harvests from a small space. The plant is exceptionally forgiving of both moist and dry soil conditions, though it genuinely despises cold, so timing your planting for warm weather is essential.
Hu Hsien amaranth leaves are harvested as a tender green vegetable, eaten raw in salads or cooked as you would spinach or other leafy greens. The young leaves are particularly prized for their tender texture and nutritional density. All parts of the amaranth plant are edible and nutritious, making this variety a practical source of vitamins and minerals throughout the growing season.
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Direct sow seeds after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow in rows spaced 48 inches apart.
Hu Hsien amaranth is ready to harvest in 30 to 39 days from sowing. Harvest the tender leaves regularly by pinching or cutting from the top of the plant, which encourages continued branching and leaf production. Young leaves are the most tender and flavorful; you can begin harvesting leaves once the plant is established and actively growing. Continued harvesting extends the productive season and prevents the plant from becoming overly tall or woody.
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“Amaranth is originally from the tropics of multiple continents and has been cultivated globally for centuries, valued as both a nutritious grain and leafy green. The 'Hu Hsien' cultivar represents a preserved heirloom lineage within Amaranthus tricolor, maintaining its distinctive red foliage and rapid maturity. As a non-GMO heirloom variety, it carries the genetic heritage of traditional growing practices and has been maintained by seed savers who recognized its reliable productivity and resilience in warm climates.”