Types of Amaranths, Spinach & Smabar Spinach — and Their Best Seasons
(Adapted and referenced from Mahaagrin — www.mahaagrin.com)
When we think of leafy greens, spinach often comes to mind. But in many parts of India (and sub-tropical zones), amaranths (red, green, pink varieties), palak spinach, and smabar spinach also play crucial roles in kitchen gardens and local diets. Each type has its own growing preferences, seasonal timing, and variety traits. Below is a guide to the main types you can cultivate, when to grow them, and which varieties tend to perform best under Indian/subtropical conditions.
Main Types and Varieties
1. Red Amaranth
Also called Amaranthus cruentus or local names like lal cheera, red amaranth features red stems or leaf veins and deep-green to reddish leaves. It is prized both for its nutrition and ornamental look.
Popular Varieties / Traits
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Deep red or burgundy petioles and veins
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Broad, oval to lanceolate leaves
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Some are more heat-tolerant or bolt-resistant
2. Green Amaranth
This is the classic leafy amaranth (Amaranthus species) with bright green leaves and stems. It grows vigorously and is often used as a staple green in many cuisines.
Popular Varieties / Traits
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Fast growing
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High leaf yield
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Moderately heat tolerant
3. Pink Amaranth
Less common, but pink-tinged varieties (either in veins, petioles or leaf edges) can be quite attractive. These are often garden or specialty cultivars.
4. Spinach / Palak (Spinacia oleracea)
Here “spinach” refers to the true spinach (palak) grown in temperate / subtropical gardens. It tends to prefer cooler weather.
Varieties / Traits
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Smooth-leaf types
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Crinkled / savoy types
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Bolt-resistant / slow-flowering lines
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Some with red veins or petioles
5. Smabar Spinach
Smabar spinach (often a regional or less-common green leaf vegetable) can refer to types that behave like spinach but tolerate warmer climates. (In some contexts, “smabar” may refer to local spinach substitutes.)
Seasonal Guide: When to Cultivate Which Leafy Green
Because each type has climatic preferences, timing your sowing and cultivation is key. Below is a suggested seasonal schedule (adapted for tropical/subtropical or Indian climates).
| Leaf Type | Ideal Growing Season(s) | Notes / Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Red Amaranth | Late spring → early summer; also post-monsoon (late summer to autumn) | Prefers warmth; avoid extreme heat stress; regular watering helps leaf quality |
| Green Amaranth | Same as red: spring–summer; also monsoon / post-monsoon | Vigorous growth; may bolt if days are too short or in cooler weather |
| Pink Amaranth | Spring and early summer | More ornamental; may perform less vigorously under stress |
| Spinach / Palak | Late autumn → winter → early spring | Spinach prefers cool temperatures and can bolt (flower) in heat |
| Smabar Spinach | Late monsoon → autumn; winter edge (if mild) | Choose varieties tolerant to moderate warmth; avoid deep freezes |
Seasonal Notes & Tips
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Summer / Heat Periods
True spinach (palak) struggles under high heat — bolting and leaf bitterness become problems. In those times, growers often switch to amaranths which are more heat-resilient. -
Winter / Cool Periods
Spinach thrives best in cooler weather. Red and green amaranths may slow down, so protect from frost or very low temperatures (use shade cloth or mulching). -
Transition Months (Monsoon / Post-monsoon)
This is a sweet spot for amaranths—moist soil, moderate sunlight, warm but not scorching conditions. Smabar spinach can also perform well during this window if varieties are chosen appropriately.
Variety Suggestions (for Indian / Subtropical Conditions)
Below are some variety ideas you can try. (You’ll want to experiment locally.)
Red Amaranth
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Varieties with strong red petioles and veins
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Heat-tolerant selections with better leaf retention
Green Amaranth
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High-yielding types bred for leafy vegetables
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Bolt-resistant or slower-to-flower lines
Pink Amaranth
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Ornamental / specialty pink-veined cultivars
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Keep seed aside for selection of best performers
Spinach / Palak
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Bolt-resistant cultivars
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Varieties with smooth leaves for easier cleaning
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Some red-stemmed spinach lines may also be compatible
Smabar Spinach
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Local landraces or hybrids known in your region
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Varieties that tolerate mild warmth yet retain texture
Cultivation Tips & Best Practices
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Soil & Fertility: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil is preferred. Organic compost or well-rotted manure helps.
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Sowing Depth & Spacing: Sow shallow (0.5–1 cm) in rows or blocks. Maintain spacing to allow good air circulation.
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Watering: Regular and consistent moisture is key. Avoid waterlogging.
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Mulching / Weeding: Mulch helps maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pest & Disease Management:
– Amaranths are relatively hardy, but occasional pests (aphids, leaf-eaters) may appear.
– For spinach, fungal problems like downy mildew can be troublesome; choose resistant varieties and ensure good airflow. -
Harvesting:
– For amaranths, you can harvest outer leaves continuously (cut-and-come-again method).
– For spinach, harvesting before flowering gives best leaf quality.
– Baby leaf harvests (young leaves) are often more tender and less bitter.
Buy Now Amaranth (Cheera Seeds) online
Why Grow Multiple Leafy Types?
Growing a mix of red, green, pink amaranths, spinach / palak, and smabar spinach lets you:
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Extend harvesting season by switching between types suited to heat vs cool periods
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Enjoy color and diversity in your garden
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Ensure leaf supply even under tough weather swings