annual

Joseph's Coat

$44.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Amaranthus tricolor is an upright, bushy summer annual native to tropical Asia, valued for its highly variegated foliage rather than its flowers. The stout stems support alternate, lanceolate to ovate leaves that display brilliant combinations of red, yellow, green, and copper as the season progresses.

The inconspicuous green or purple flowers are held in small axillary clusters, completely obscured by the vivid upper foliage. New growth emerges in bright yellow or green before transitioning to deep copper and fiery red tones under full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides intense, multi-colored foliage interest in summer and fall beds, borders, and containers.

The young leaves are edible when cooked as a leafy green vegetable, similar to spinach.

Provides pollen for generalist bees and native pollinators, while the mature seed heads feed seed-eating birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

60"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Tropical Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to livestock in large quantities; contains oxalates

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Antique Rose Emporium

In Stock$44.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choose a planting site in full sun to ensure the most intense foliage color development.
Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Pinch back the growing tips of young plants early in the season to encourage branching and a bushier habit.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate rapid, weak stem growth and cause the foliage to lose its vivid coloration in favor of dull green.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch young shoots early in the season to promote a denser, bushier form.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot in wet conditions.
Grow in full sun to maximize the intensity of the leaf colors.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, especially with nitrogen, as this dulls the foliage colors.
Do not plant outdoors until the soil has warmed thoroughly in late spring.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged, which leads to stem and root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bedding plantsMixed bordersContainer specimensEdible gardens

Companion Plants

Coleus Zinnia Cosmos Canna

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Joseph's Coat questions

What zones can Joseph's Coat grow in?

Joseph's Coat is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Joseph's Coat deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Joseph's Coat, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Joseph's Coat bloom?

Joseph's Coat typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Joseph's Coat need full sun?

Joseph's Coat does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Joseph's Coat drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Joseph's Coat handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.