Spleen Amaranth: An Underrated Edible Green for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking to add some international flair to your vegetable garden, spleen amaranth (Amaranthus dubius) might just be the leafy green you didn’t know you needed. Also known as pakai in some regions, this annual forb brings both culinary value and easy-growing nature to gardens in warmer climates.
What Exactly is Spleen Amaranth?
Spleen amaranth is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the amaranth family. As a forb, it lacks woody tissue and grows as a soft-stemmed plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. Don’t let the unusual common name put you off – this plant has been cultivated for its nutritious leaves in many parts of the world.
Where Does It Come From and Where Does It Grow?
Originally from tropical regions, spleen amaranth is not native to most of the United States. However, it has naturalized in several areas including Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and U.S. territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Interestingly, while it’s considered non-native in most of the continental U.S. and Hawaii, it’s actually native to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Should You Grow Spleen Amaranth in Your Garden?
The decision to grow spleen amaranth comes down to your gardening goals and location. Here are some factors to consider:
- Culinary Interest: The young leaves are edible and nutritious, popular in Caribbean and Asian cuisines
- Easy Care: This plant is remarkably low-maintenance once established
- Heat Tolerance: Thrives in hot, humid conditions where other greens might struggle
- Quick Growth: Fast-growing annual that can provide multiple harvests
However, since this isn’t a native plant for most U.S. gardeners, you might also consider native alternatives like lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album) or native amaranth species such as Amaranthus retroflexus, which can provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
What Does Spleen Amaranth Look Like?
Spleen amaranth typically grows 2-4 feet tall with a somewhat bushy, upright form. The stems can range from green to reddish, and the oval to lance-shaped leaves are what most gardeners are after. Small, inconspicuous green flowers appear in dense, elongated clusters, but the real attraction is the foliage.
Growing Conditions and Care
This plant is refreshingly undemanding, which explains why it’s naturalized in so many warm locations:
- Climate: Best suited for USDA zones 9-11, though can be grown as a summer annual in cooler areas
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade
- Soil: Not picky about soil type, but prefers well-draining soil
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, though regular watering promotes better leaf production
- Temperature: Loves heat and humidity – perfect for those sweltering summer days
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Getting spleen amaranth started is straightforward:
- Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost date
- Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in prepared soil
- Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they’re established
- Water regularly during the first few weeks, then reduce frequency as plants mature
- Harvest young, tender leaves regularly to encourage continued growth
- Pinch off flower heads if you want to focus energy on leaf production
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Spleen amaranth works well in several garden settings:
- Vegetable Gardens: Perfect addition to the herb and greens section
- Tropical Gardens: Fits naturally into warm-climate landscape designs
- Container Gardens: Grows well in pots for patio or balcony gardening
- Educational Gardens: Great for teaching about global food crops
Wildlife and Environmental Considerations
While spleen amaranth doesn’t offer significant benefits to native pollinators (it’s wind-pollinated), it’s not considered problematic in most areas where it grows. The seeds may attract some birds, though this isn’t its primary wildlife value.
The Bottom Line
Spleen amaranth can be a worthwhile addition to warm-climate gardens, especially if you’re interested in expanding your culinary horizons or want a reliable leafy green that can handle intense heat. While it’s not native to most of the U.S., it’s not considered invasive either, making it a neutral choice for gardeners interested in global food plants.
Just remember to also make space for native alternatives that support local wildlife – your garden can be both diverse and ecologically responsible. Whether you choose spleen amaranth or native options, the key is creating a garden that works for both you and your local environment.
