Amaranthus Species, Chinese Spinach, Fountain Plant, Joseph's Coat, Summer Poinsettia

Amaranthustricolor

Genus
Amaranthus (am-uh-RANTH-us)
Species
tricolor (TRY-kull-lur)
Synonym
Amaranthus gangeticus
Amaranthus mangostanus
Amaranthus polygamus
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Vegetables
Herbs
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Clovis, California

Merced, California

Golden, Colorado

Clinton, Connecticut

Bartow, Florida

Brooksville, Florida

Sebastian, Florida

Carrollton, Georgia

Sandpoint, Idaho

Spring Valley, Illinois

Halifax, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts

Flint, Michigan

Pinconning, Michigan

Clifton, New Jersey

Rochester, New York

Utica, New York

Cincinnati, Ohio

Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Denver, Pennsylvania

Mercer, Pennsylvania

Germantown, Tennessee

Kingsport, Tennessee

Rockwood, Tennessee

Abilene, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Houston, Texas

Humble, Texas

La Marque, Texas

Lubbock, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Provo, Utah

Falling Waters, West Virginia

Liberty, West Virginia

Orma, West Virginia

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

11
positives
4
neutrals
0
negative
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C
Bethel Park, PA | August 2014 | positive

My summer poinsettia is gorgeous, but I'm afraid to take it off the porch for fear the deer will eat it. Does anyone know if it is deer resistant?

B
B
| June 2013 | positive

I live in upper east Tn. (Kingsport, Tn near Bristol) and got a seed in with another plant a friend in Bristol had given me. When it ca...Read More

G
G
Rockwood, TN | September 2011 | neutral

Have had success growing this plant. Love, love this plant! - - but so do the deer.

M
Marysville, OH (Zone 5b) | March 2011 | neutral

I've never seen it in real life, but the University of IL Extension service has an on-line video where they are recommending it for longe...Read More

S
Encinitas, CA | January 2011 | neutral

Does anyone have experience using the leaves or seeds as food (for humans) ?

W
Orma, WV | August 2010 | positive

I grew the Joseph's Coat here in central WV for the first time this year. It was spectacular and is continuing to form new flowers along...Read More

P
Central, AL (Zone 8a) | April 2007 | positive

Unusual burgundy-colored seedheads. Striking appearance from summer into fall. I left the seed heads on into the winter for the birds.

R
Sebastian, FL | October 2004 | positive

This plant can be seen at Disney's Epcot Garden and Flower Show each spring. That is where we fell in love with it. We just sow them di...Read More

P
Sandpoint, ID | October 2004 | positive

Fast growing beautiful plant loves direct sun. Planning on planting more next spring. Does anyone have suggestions about caring for the...Read More

D
Clifton, NJ (Zone 7a) | August 2003 | positive

Beautiful colors. Have Joseph's Coat & Early Splendor.
When colors start turning,get many,"What Is It". Likes sun & water but Nor...Read More

D
D
Rochester, NY | July 2003 | positive

Gorgeous colors!

T
T
La Marque, TX (Zone 9a) | June 2003 | positive

This plant is very easy to grow and definitely likes the humidity of the south. I have noticed that if it is planted where it receives d...Read More

L
L
| June 2003 | positive

An easy to grow, full-sun loving plant. Grew very well in my garden which contained at least 50% clay soil. I live in mid-north south aus...Read More

M
Erwin, TN (Zone 7a) | October 2002 | positive

Nice quick growing herb/not frost tolerant/can take lots of heat/real easy to grow/good flaver,eat as you would spinach/grows from seed o...Read More

S
Louisville, KY (Zone 6a) | September 2001 | neutral

Grown more for its brilliantly-colored foliage than its flowers. The foliage can be red, yellow, or green in various combinations.
...Read More

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