Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds produce tender, nutritious leafy greens that thrive in warm weather and keep producing when other greens slow down. This productive variety of Amaranthus tricolor is grown for abundant green leaves and dependable harvests through the summer.
With quick growth and strong regrowth after cutting, Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds are well suited to cut-and-come-again harvesting. Pick young leaves for the most tender texture, or allow plants to size up for larger harvests. Regular harvesting encourages vigorous new growth and helps extend the season.
Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds perform best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and consistent moisture. They handle heat and humidity well, making them an excellent choice for garden beds, rows, and containers during the hottest part of the year.
In the kitchen, Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds deliver versatile greens for fresh use or quick cooking. Add leaves to stir-fries, sauté with garlic, fold into soups and stews, or use as a spinach-like substitute for a mild, satisfying green.
How to Sow and Transplant Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
1. Sowing Seeds
Timing:
Sow amaranth seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date for earlier blooms or harvests. Soil must be warm—at least 60°F (16°C)—for reliable germination.
Soil Preparation:
Work compost or aged manure into the top 6–8 inches of soil before sowing. Amaranth thrives in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
Sowing Depth:
Seeds are tiny—sow only ⅛ inch deep or press gently into the soil surface and lightly cover with fine soil or vermiculite.
Spacing:
After germination, thin or transplant seedlings to:
10–12 inches apart for leafy types (A. tricolor)
12–18 inches apart for ornamental or grain types (A. caudatus and A. cruentus)
Space rows 18–30 inches apart depending on variety size.
Germination Conditions:
Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 5–10 days at 70–85°F (21–29°C). Avoid crusting or oversaturation, which can smother seedlings.
2. Transplanting Seedlings
Timing:
Transplant only after all frost danger has passed, when both soil and air are consistently warm. Young amaranth is sensitive to cold and will not recover from frost damage.
Handling:
Amaranth seedlings are delicate—transplant by the root ball, not by the stem. Water the soil before removing them from trays to reduce transplant shock.
Planting Depth:
Set plants at the same depth they grew in their pots. Do not bury stems. Gently firm the soil and water well after planting.
Hardening Off:
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off for 5–7 days by gradually introducing seedlings to direct sunlight and outdoor airflow. Begin with a few hours daily, increasing exposure over the week.
Initial Watering:
Water deeply after transplanting to settle roots. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated during the first 7–10 days while plants reestablish.
3. Early Care After Transplanting
Temperature: Optimal range is 70–90°F (21–32°C); amaranth stops growing below 60°F (16°C).
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture until roots are established; afterward, water deeply once or twice per week.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of straw or shredded leaves around plants to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure.
How to Grow — Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor)
Seed Starting & Transplant Timing
Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors once soil temperatures consistently exceed 60°F (16°C). Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) thrives in heat and sunlight, performing best in warm, moderately moist soil.
Germination range: 70–80°F (21–27°C); seedlings emerge within 5–10 Days. Sow seeds shallowly—barely covered or pressed into the soil surface. Maintain light moisture, as amaranth requires light to germinate.
Lighting: Provide 14–16 hours/day of strong light under LEDs or T5 fluorescents. Keep lights 2–3 inches above seedlings and rotate trays to ensure balanced growth.
First feed & pot-up: Begin ¼-strength fertilizer or compost tea once the first true leaves appear. Pot up to 3–4 inch containers when roots fill their cells.
Harden off: Over 5–7 days, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor sunlight and breezes. Transplant once nights remain above 55°F (13°C).
Soil Preparation
Texture & pH: Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam with a pH of 6.0–7.2. Avoid compacted or clay-heavy soils.
Amendments: Incorporate 2 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. Add bone meal or seaweed extract for strong root and leaf development.
Bed setup: Raised beds or gently mounded rows promote drainage and soil warmth. Wide spacing helps prevent mildew in humid environments.
Watering
Maintain consistent moisture, supplying about 1 inch per week.
Best method: Water deeply at the soil line with drip irrigation or soaker hoses to reduce leaf wetness and fungal pressure.
Tip: Avoid frequent shallow watering—allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between irrigations. Lu Hsien prefers moist but not soggy soil.
Fertilizing
Early growth: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5) or compost tea every 2–3 weeks to promote vigorous foliage.
Midseason: Once plants are 18–24 inches tall, reduce nitrogen and focus on potassium to strengthen stems and leaf structure.
Note: Excess nitrogen produces lush but weak growth and reduces flavor quality.
Weeding & Mulching
Weed carefully during early growth, as young seedlings are shallow-rooted and can be easily shaded out.
Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or compost) to suppress weeds and maintain steady soil moisture.
Weeding care: Use gentle hand-pulling to avoid damaging roots.
Sun & Heat Management
Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) is essential for vibrant green foliage and rapid growth.
Temperature range: Performs best between 75–95°F (24–35°C). Growth slows significantly below 60°F (16°C).
Heat management: During extended hot spells (>100°F / 38°C), provide light afternoon shade and maintain consistent watering to prevent leaf curl.
Spacing & Support
Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart for leafy production.
Support: Generally self-supporting, though plants grown for seed may benefit from staking in windy areas.
Tip: Wider spacing produces thicker stems and higher yields; closer spacing gives smaller, more tender leaves for market harvest.
Companion Planting
Good companions: Basil, marigold, garlic, and scallions—all deter aphids and flea beetles while attracting beneficial pollinators.
Avoid: Crowding near tall, shading crops like corn, which limits light exposure and weakens color intensity.
Pollinator note: The small clustered blooms attract bees, hoverflies, and beneficial wasps that reduce pest populations naturally.
Container Growing
Use 8–10 gallon pots filled with rich, well-draining mix. Ensure at least 12 inches of depth for healthy root growth.
Watering: Check daily during hot weather—containers dry faster than beds. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Tip: Use fabric pots for improved aeration and root temperature control.
Pruning & Training
Pinch the central stem when plants reach 10–12 inches tall to encourage branching and heavier leaf yield.
Maintenance: Remove lower yellowing leaves to maintain airflow and prevent disease buildup. Avoid pruning heavily during midseason; excessive cutting delays regrowth.
Season Extension
Lu Hsien is frost-tender—protect with row covers during early spring or autumn chills.
Late season: Harvest seed heads before the first frost and dry indoors for 10–14 days. The seeds remain viable for years when properly stored.
Harvest & Seed Saving
Harvest: Pick tender leaves as needed throughout the season. For best texture, harvest before flowering. Mature seed heads can be collected once bracts turn tan and seeds loosen easily.
Cut, don’t pull: Use scissors or shears to avoid uprooting plants and encourage continuous leaf production.
Seed saving: Hang seed heads in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 10–14 days. Thresh and winnow gently.
Isolation: Maintain at least 500 feet from other A. tricolor varieties to preserve the Lu Hsien’s distinct green leaf form.
Additional Tips — Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor)
Harvesting
Stage options: Harvest tender leaves 30–45 Days after sowing for best flavor, or allow plants to reach 90–100 Days for mature seed production. Continuous harvest through summer keeps the plant leafy and productive.
Cut cleanly: Use scissors or pruning shears to remove the top 4–6 inches of growth or outer leaves. Avoid tearing, which can bruise stems and slow regrowth.
Production rhythm: Harvest every 5–7 days during warm weather to stimulate branching. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks maintains steady greens through the season.
Drying prep: For seed, let flower heads dry naturally until the stems and bracts turn golden. Cut and hang in small bundles in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area for 10–14 days before threshing.
Flavor & Nutrition
Profile: Mild and earthy with a smooth, spinach-like flavor. Young leaves are tender and slightly sweet, while mature ones develop a heartier, nutty tone when cooked.
Nutrition: High in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and essential amino acids, especially lysine. Known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Flavor balance: Excellent with garlic, sesame, and soy-based seasonings. Balanced by acid ingredients like vinegar, lime, or tamarind.
Handling
Harvest timing: Harvest early morning before sun exposure for crisp texture and minimal wilting.
Processing seeds: Gently rub dried flower heads over a fine mesh or cloth to release the small black seeds. Winnow to remove debris.
Gloves optional: Not required, as foliage and stems are smooth and easy to handle.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh leaves: Keep unwashed in a perforated bag in the refrigerator. Best used within 5–7 days.
Drying leaves: Dehydrate at 110°F (43°C) until crisp, then crumble for soups, teas, or powdered greens.
Seeds: Store fully dry in airtight jars away from moisture and light. Remain viable for up to 4–5 years.
Culinary seed use: Seeds can be cooked or milled into flour, adding a nutty sweetness to breads or porridges.
Kitchen Use
Cooking greens: Stir-fry with garlic and ginger, steam lightly, or add to soups and broths. Works well with sesame, soy, or oyster sauce.
Grain use: The seeds may be boiled or toasted for added protein in rice or noodle dishes.
Decorative use: The bright green leaves provide contrast in edible landscapes and mix beautifully with red or white-leaved amaranths.
Pairings: Complements tofu, mushrooms, eggplant, soy sauce, peanuts, and citrus.
Growing & Pruning Tips
Regional adaptation: Performs exceptionally well in warm, humid climates but adapts to most temperate summer gardens. Originates from centuries of cultivation in China.
Support: Generally self-supporting, though staking may be useful in windy conditions.
Airflow: Maintain 8–12 inch spacing for healthy airflow and reduced disease risk.
Fertility: Enrich soil with compost before planting. Overfeeding with nitrogen produces tender but weak stems, so moderate fertility is ideal.
Containers & Watering
Pot size: Minimum 8–10 gallons per plant, allowing deep root growth.
Water needs: Keep soil evenly moist. Water in early morning to avoid fungal buildup overnight.
Mulch: Apply a 2-inch organic mulch layer to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
Companion Planting & Pollinators
Allies: Companion plant with basil, garlic, or marigold to deter pests and attract pollinators.
Pollinator support: The small clustered blooms attract bees and hoverflies, improving pollination in nearby crops.
Avoid: Shady locations—this variety needs full sunlight to maintain vigor and bright green color.
Seed Saving
True-to-type: Select robust, upright plants with lush, deep-green foliage for seed saving.
Isolation: Maintain at least 500 feet distance from other A. tricolor varieties to ensure seed purity.
Dry thoroughly: Hang seed heads for 10–14 days in a shaded, well-aired area.
Storage: Store fully dried seeds in sealed containers in a cool, dark space. Viable for 4–5 years.
Common Pests & Problems — Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor)
Insects & Mites
Aphids (curling new leaves, sticky honeydew, and sooty mold)
Controls: Rinse colonies from plants using a firm stream of water. Follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days. Eliminate nearby ant colonies that protect aphids. Grow dill, fennel, or alyssum to attract natural predators such as lacewings and lady beetles.
Flea beetles (small shot-holes on young leaves, stunted seedlings)
Controls: Protect seedlings with floating row covers until plants are 8–10 inches tall. Apply diatomaceous earth around stems. Keep beds weed-free and consider trap crops like mustard or radish to draw pests away.
Spider mites (speckled, bronzed leaves, fine webbing in dry weather)
Controls: Increase humidity with mulch and regular watering. Spray leaf undersides with water weekly. Alternate between neem oil and horticultural oils. Introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) if infestations occur in enclosed gardens.
Leaf miners (white serpentine tunnels through leaf tissue)
Controls: Pinch and remove damaged leaves. Encourage parasitic wasps by planting calendula, cosmos, or yarrow nearby. Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that disrupt natural control.
Thrips (silver streaks on foliage, distorted leaf tips, stunted growth)
Controls: Monitor with blue sticky traps. Remove weeds that harbor thrips. Spray spinosad or insecticidal soap following label directions. Prevent dust buildup with mulch and steady moisture.
Caterpillars / Armyworms (ragged edges, holes in leaves, frass pellets)
Controls: Handpick larvae early in the morning. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bt) for young caterpillars. Keep field margins trimmed to reduce egg-laying sites.
Cutworms (seedlings severed at soil line overnight)
Controls: Use cardboard collars or paper sleeves around young stems. Clear mulch and grass clumps where larvae hide. Scout at dusk to remove visible cutworms.
Diseases
Leaf spot (Cercospora, Alternaria spp.) (brown or purple lesions, early defoliation)
Prevention: Ensure airflow and rotate crops every 3–4 years. Avoid overhead irrigation and splashing soil.
Management: Remove infected leaves; apply neem oil or copper fungicide preventively during humid periods.
Downy mildew (yellow mottling on leaves, gray fuzz underneath)
Prevention: Water at soil level early in the day and maintain wide spacing.
Management: Remove infected leaves and apply biofungicides or copper sprays as protectants.
Powdery mildew (white powdery patches on upper surfaces, reduced vigor)
Prevention: Promote airflow and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Management: Remove infected leaves and apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate biofungicides.
Root rot / damping-off (young seedlings collapse, darkened stems at soil line)
Prevention: Use well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Ensure warm germination conditions.
Management: Remove infected seedlings and improve drainage in planting beds.
Rust (orange or brown pustules on underside of leaves)
Prevention: Avoid wetting foliage and rotate Amaranthus crops every 3 years.
Management: Remove infected leaves and apply neem or copper-based treatments as preventives.
Physiological & Environmental Issues
Nutrient deficiency (pale or yellow foliage, slow growth)
Fix: Top-dress with compost or apply balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid high nitrogen levels, which can cause weak, sappy growth.
Heat stress (temporary wilting or curling under intense midday sun)
Fix: Water deeply in the morning and mulch to retain soil moisture. Provide light shade during extreme heat.
Water stress / edema (corky or blistered patches on leaves)
Fix: Keep watering consistent; avoid alternating drought and flooding cycles.
Sunscald (bleached upper leaves from excessive sun exposure)
Fix: Maintain adequate leaf canopy; avoid heavy pruning during peak summer light.
Lodging (bending or stem collapse)
Cause: Overfertilization, excess water, or high winds.
Fix: Deep watering encourages root strength; reduce nitrogen feeding and stake if necessary.
Monitoring & Prevention Checklist
Inspect leaves twice weekly for aphids, mites, and leaf miners.
Water early in the day at soil level to keep foliage dry.
Maintain proper spacing (6–12 inches) for airflow.
Mulch after soil warms to stabilize temperature and reduce weeds.
Rotate Amaranthus crops at least every 3 years.
Sanitize tools and avoid composting diseased leaves.
Encourage beneficial insects through diverse flowering borders.
Keep soil fertility balanced—too rich a mix leads to soft, pest-prone foliage.
Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) — FAQs
Q: How tall does Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth grow?
Generally 3–5 feet tall, with upright stems and broad, deep-green leaves. In fertile soil and steady heat, it can reach 6 feet, producing lush, leafy growth ideal for continual harvest.
Q: How long does it take to mature?
About 50–60 Days for tender greens, or 90–100 Days to reach full maturity and produce seed. Successive plantings every few weeks ensure a steady summer yield.
Q: How long does germination take?
5–10 Days at 70–85°F. Seeds sprout quickly in light, warm soil with gentle, even moisture.
Q: What type of soil is best?
Silt loam or loamy soil enriched with compost. It thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained ground. Avoid compacted or saturated soils.
Q: How much sunlight does it require?
Full sun—at least 6–8 hours daily. Partial shade is acceptable in extreme heat but may slow leaf growth.
Q: How far apart should I space the plants?
6–8 inches for greens, 12–18 inches for mature plants or seed production. Leave 18–24 inches between rows for airflow and access.
Q: Is it edible or ornamental?
Edible. This variety is grown for its tender green leaves, a summer staple in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. It is less ornamental than colored varieties but highly nutritious.
Q: Can it be grown in containers?
Yes. Use 10–12 inch deep pots filled with compost-rich soil. Frequent watering and harvesting keep it producing continuously.
Q: How do I harvest it?
Harvest outer leaves once plants reach 6–8 inches tall, or cut the top third of the plant to encourage branching. Regular picking extends the harvest season.
Q: How do I save seeds?
Let a few plants flower and dry naturally. Cut seed heads when fully mature, rub gently to release seeds, and store dry in airtight jars for up to 4 years.
Q: Does it attract pollinators or wildlife?
Yes. Bees visit the small, clustered flowers, and birds may feed on ripened seeds.
Q: Is it drought-tolerant?
Moderately. It prefers steady moisture but recovers quickly after dry periods once established. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture.
Q: Is it native to North America?
No. While descended from ancient American amaranths, Lu Hsien is a domesticated Asian variety refined over centuries in Chinese horticulture.
Q: When should I sow outdoors?
After the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach 70°F or above. In cool climates, start indoors and transplant after warming.
Q: Can it reseed itself?
Yes, if left to flower and dry fully. Self-sown seedlings are easily thinned or transplanted.
Q: What causes slow or stunted growth?
Cool soil, crowding, or nutrient deficiency. Ensure warmth, spacing, and regular light feeding for vigorous growth.
Q: What does the name “Lu Hsien” mean?
It loosely translates to “green freshness” or “verdant immortal,” reflecting the plant’s vibrant foliage and its ability to regenerate after harvest.
Q: How is it used in cooking?
Commonly stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or blanched and seasoned. Its mild flavor and soft texture make it a favored summer green.
Q: What is its cultural significance?
Lu Hsien Amaranth represents the long tradition of Indigenous American crops transformed through Asian cultivation. In Chinese culture, it’s valued as a cooling, cleansing vegetable that brings balance and renewal during hot months.
Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) embodies the quiet endurance of a plant that has traversed empires, oceans, and centuries—beginning in the heartlands of the Americas and flourishing in the fields of Asia under new names, new climates, and new cultural meanings. Though now widely recognized as an Asian leafy vegetable, its ancestral roots lie in the same soils that nourished the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes, where amaranth was one of the first crops domesticated by human hands.
When Spanish colonizers banned the cultivation of amaranth in the Americas during the 16th century, deeming it tied too closely to Indigenous ceremony, the plant nonetheless slipped past the barriers of empire. Carried in the hulls of ships and the pockets of sailors, its seeds reached Africa and Asia, where farmers—facing heat, drought, and erratic rains—recognized its remarkable resilience. Over the next several centuries, Amaranthus tricolor was reborn across the tropics as a staple leafy green, integrated into cuisines and healing traditions from India to southern China.
The variety known as Lu Hsien likely traces to traditional Chinese horticulture, where regional growers selected tender, green-leafed lines adapted to humid lowlands and rapid summer growth. Its name reflects local dialect—“Lu Hsien” loosely translating to “green freshness” or “verdant immortal”—a nod to the plant’s habit of renewing itself with every harvest. Farmers cherished it not only for its taste and productivity but for its symbolic association with vitality and balance. In Chinese folk medicine, amaranth greens were believed to cool the body and clear the blood, offering relief during the scorching days of midsummer.
For centuries, Lu Hsien amaranth filled the markets of southern China and Taiwan, bundled in fragrant bunches beside garlic chives and water spinach. In family gardens, it required little care—thriving in soils too thin or wet for other crops, sprouting anew from self-sown seed each year. Its simplicity made it a symbol of self-reliance, and its persistence through war, famine, and modernization mirrored the resilience of rural communities who depended upon it.
In the 20th century, as global seed exchanges expanded, Lu Hsien entered Western seed catalogs under the name “Green Leaf Chinese Amaranth,” appreciated by gardeners seeking heat-tolerant greens for midsummer harvests. Yet its essence remained unchanged—a plant rooted in the ancient traditions of Indigenous agriculture, reborn and refined through centuries of Asian cultivation.
Today, Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth represents a living dialogue between continents and generations. It carries the wisdom of Indigenous American farmers who first tamed wild amaranth and the artistry of Asian growers who shaped it into a tender vegetable of harmony and renewal. To grow it is to take part in a lineage unbroken by conquest or time—a lineage that feeds both body and spirit with the same enduring green.
Choose vigorous, healthy plants that display the best color, growth habit, and seed head form for the variety. Avoid saving from plants that lodge (fall over), show disease, or produce weak seed heads. For leafy types, select those with tender, flavorful leaves and strong regrowth.
Mark ideal plants early in the season using colored ties. Let them mature fully to ensure the seeds reach full physiological ripeness. Save seed from at least 6–10 plants per variety to maintain strong genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding.
Amaranth is open-pollinated and wind/insect pollinated, so maintain 500 feet (150 m) isolation distance between varieties of the same species (A. caudatus, A. cruentus, or A. tricolor) to prevent cross-pollination.
2. Harvesting Seeds
Allow flower heads (plumes or spikes) to mature until they dry naturally on the plant and seeds begin to fall freely when rubbed. The bracts should turn dry and papery, and seed color will darken to its mature shade (black, tan, or cream depending on the variety).
Cut entire seed heads on a dry morning, before shattering begins. Place in paper bags or on tarps in a shaded, ventilated area to finish curing for 7–10 days. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and promote mold.
3. Threshing & Cleaning
Once the seed heads are crisp-dry, gently rub them between your hands or against a fine mesh screen to separate the seeds from chaff. For large harvests, place dried plumes in a clean tub and tread lightly or roll with a dowel to release seeds.
Winnow using a fan or steady breeze—pour seed and chaff between two containers, letting the lighter debris blow away. Repeat several times until seeds are clean and glossy.
Optional natural sanitization methods:
Hydrogen peroxide rinse: 3% solution for 3 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Apple cider vinegar solution: 1:10 ratio for 1 minute, followed by thorough rinsing.
Chamomile tea rinse: As a mild antifungal option before drying.
4. Drying Seeds
Spread cleaned seeds in a thin layer on parchment or mesh in a warm, shaded, and airy location (below 95°F / 35°C). Stir daily for even drying. Seeds are ready for storage when hard and brittle, typically after 5–10 days depending on humidity.
Avoid direct sunlight or oven drying, which can damage seed embryos. In humid climates, use a small fan or dehydrator on the lowest setting (around 85°F / 29°C).
5. Storing Seeds
For long-term viability:
Store fully dried seeds in airtight glass jars or paper envelopes sealed inside larger containers.
Label each with variety, species, and year saved.
Add a natural desiccant (silica gel or baked rice) to absorb moisture.
Keep in a cool, dark, and dry location—ideal temperature 35–45°F (1–7°C).
Amaranth seeds can remain viable for 4–6 years, sometimes longer when kept refrigerated with low humidity.
6. Testing Seed Viability
To test germination before replanting:
Place 10 seeds on a damp, non-chlorinated paper towel.
Fold and seal inside a plastic bag or lidded container.
Keep warm (75–80°F / 24–27°C) for 4–6 days.
Count sprouted seeds:
8–10 = Excellent viability
6–7 = Acceptable
Below 6 = Reseed to refresh stock
7. Preventing Cross-Pollination
Because amaranth is largely wind and insect pollinated, maintain isolation between varieties of the same species. If space is limited, you can:
Bag individual inflorescences with fine mesh before they release pollen.
Stagger planting times by 2–3 weeks to reduce overlap in flowering.
Grow one species per year in confined gardens to maintain varietal purity.
8. Record Keeping
Keep detailed notes on:
Parent plant traits (height, leaf color, seed head form)
Harvest dates
Cleaning and drying duration
Storage method and location
Germination test results
Add observations on growth vigor, drought tolerance, and pest resistance. Over time, this builds a record of local adaptation and performance—an invaluable asset for regional seed stewardship.
9. Organic Tips for Success
Always use non-chlorinated water in rinsing or viability tests.
Compost leftover plant debris to return nutrients to the soil.
Rotate planting locations yearly to prevent disease buildup.
Encourage native bees and pollinators—they improve yield and genetic health.
Avoid synthetic fungicides or chemical seed coatings.
Renew your seed line every few years to maintain vigor and local adaptation.
Uses and Benefits — Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor)
Culinary Uses
Green Leaf (“Lu Hsien”) Amaranth is a traditional East Asian heirloom cherished for its tender, emerald-green leaves and smooth, mild flavor. It’s primarily cultivated as a summer green for soups, sautés, and quick stir-fries. In Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, this amaranth is known for its clean, slightly nutty taste and quick cooking time, making it one of the most versatile greens for warm-weather kitchens.
General Preparation Methods
Leafy Greens:
Harvest young leaves when the plant reaches 6–10 inches tall. Lightly sauté with garlic and a touch of soy or fish sauce for a simple and nourishing dish.
Soups & Broths:
Add chopped leaves in the final minutes of cooking to enrich clear soups or broths—Lu Hsien maintains its soft texture and delicate color without bitterness.
Noodle & Rice Pairings:
Fold sautéed or blanched leaves into noodle bowls, fried rice, or dumpling fillings for added nutrients and moisture balance.
Smoothies & Juices:
Fresh young leaves can be blended with cucumber or apple for a mild, chlorophyll-rich green juice.
Nutritional Benefits
Green Leaf Amaranth is a nutritional powerhouse disguised as a tender green. Like all Amaranthus tricolor types, it combines high mineral content with gentle digestibility and rich plant proteins.
Vitamins: Packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor), and vitamin K.
Minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium for muscle and nerve health.
Protein: Contains all essential amino acids, providing a rare complete protein among vegetables.
Antioxidants: Contains chlorophyll and flavonoids that support detoxification and circulation.
Low Oxalates: Easier on digestion compared to spinach and other greens.
Cultural and Practical Benefits
Cultivated throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia for centuries, Lu Hsien represents one of the most refined leafy amaranth strains. It’s deeply integrated into traditional Chinese and Taiwanese diets as a daily vegetable, especially during the hottest months when lettuce and cabbage falter.
Cultural Legacy: A staple of Chinese kitchen gardens and Buddhist temple plots.
Seed Preservation: Open-pollinated, regionally adapted, and easily saved for next season’s crop.
Resilience: Thrives in humidity and heat without bitterness or bolting.
Culinary Versatility: Fits effortlessly into both traditional and modern plant-based dishes.
Everyday Benefits and Garden Value
Highly productive and forgiving, Lu Hsien is ideal for continuous harvest in small gardens or large plots alike. It’s a fast-growing, space-efficient crop that flourishes in full sun and rich soil, producing abundant greens through summer’s peak.
Fast Maturity: Ready to harvest within 30–40 days of sowing.
Cut-and-Come-Again: Regrows after harvesting for successive yields.
Compact Form: Grows beautifully in containers or raised beds.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal watering once established.
Environmental and Garden Benefits
Pollinator Friendly: Its small, clustered blooms attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control aphids.
Soil Builder: Adds organic matter and enhances soil structure when turned under after harvest.
Heat Tolerance: One of the few leafy vegetables that thrives during mid-summer temperatures above 90°F.
Cultural Biodiversity: Preserving Lu Hsien amaranth helps maintain centuries of agricultural knowledge and seed lineage from East Asia’s farming heritage.
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Start with a garden goal.Browse seed packets, seasonal picks, pantry goods, or starter garden ideas.
Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds produce tender, nutritious leafy greens that thrive in warm weather and keep producing when other greens slow down. This productive variety of Amaranthus tricolor is grown for abundant green leaves and dependable harvests through the summer.
With quick growth and strong regrowth after cutting, Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds are well suited to cut-and-come-again harvesting. Pick young leaves for the most tender texture, or allow plants to size up for larger harvests. Regular harvesting encourages vigorous new growth and helps extend the season.
Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds perform best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and consistent moisture. They handle heat and humidity well, making them an excellent choice for garden beds, rows, and containers during the hottest part of the year.
In the kitchen, Green Leaf ("Lu Hsien") Amaranth Seeds deliver versatile greens for fresh use or quick cooking. Add leaves to stir-fries, sauté with garlic, fold into soups and stews, or use as a spinach-like substitute for a mild, satisfying green.
