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Early Splendor Amaranthus is a tropical annual ornamental that commands attention with its striking magenta and chocolate foliage. Native to sweltering climates, this heirloom cultivar reaches 24-36 inches tall in a compact bush form and matures in just 70-79 days, making it rewarding for gardeners in zones 3-11. Grown as much for its edible leaves as for its dramatic visual presence, Early Splendor transforms hot, humid gardens into exotic showcases while thriving in conditions that challenge less heat-tolerant plants.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
36in H x ?in W
—
High
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The real draw here is the foliage itself: radiant magenta and chocolate leaves that create bold color combinations you simply cannot find in conventional bedding plants. This is a heirloom variety that bridges ornamental and culinary gardening, delivering equally on aesthetic impact and nutritional harvest. Its preference for heat and humidity means it actually thrives in the exact conditions that slow down many garden favorites, making it invaluable for gardeners dealing with hot summers or tropical climates.
Early Splendor serves dual purposes in the garden. Ornamentally, it excels as a focal point in borders, along walkways, and on patios, where its magenta and chocolate foliage creates visual drama against complementary plantings. The leaves are edible and can be harvested throughout the season, used fresh in salads or cooked as a nutritious green similar to spinach. Its mounding bush habit makes it equally effective in containers where its colors can be showcased against the patio or deck.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date in trays or cell packs. Keep soil temperature between 70-85°F for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into individual containers once they develop their first true leaves and have hardened off before moving outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date once soil has warmed to at least 70°F. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Space transplants 24 inches apart with 48 inches between rows, or adjust spacing based on your desired final plant size and garden design.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperature reaches 70-85°F. Scatter seeds on the soil surface or press lightly into the top layer; amaranthus seeds are small and benefit from light exposure for germination. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
Begin harvesting leaves once plants are 8-10 inches tall, typically 3-4 weeks after planting. Pinch or cut outer leaves from the top of the plant, which encourages continued branching and extends the harvest period. You can harvest continuously throughout the growing season; younger leaves are more tender, while mature leaves have a heartier texture suitable for cooking. Plants reach full ornamental impact by 70-79 days.
Early Splendor naturally grows in a compact, bushy mound without extensive pruning needs. Pinching the main growing tip when plants are 6-8 inches tall encourages fuller branching and denser foliage. Remove any flower spikes early in the season if you're growing primarily for ornamental foliage; allowing flowering to progress will eventually shift energy away from leaf production, though the flower spikes add additional ornamental interest.
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“Early Splendor carries the pedigree of an heirloom amaranthus, belonging to the tricolor species that has been cultivated in tropical regions for centuries. These plants were selected and saved by gardeners across hot climates for their dual purpose: ornamental drama and edible nutrition. The variety reached contemporary seed catalogs as a non-GMO offering, preserved through the hands of gardeners who recognized both its beauty and its resilience in challenging growing conditions.”