Amaranthus is a short-lived frost-tender plant that’s both ornamental and edible. Popular for summer bedding and easy to grow, amaranthus looks dramatic and immensely showy with enormous tassel-like crimson, purple or green flowers, or brilliantly coloured foliage.
Amaranthus is known by many names: one of the most popular flowering varieties is ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ (tassel flower) and for edible use its names include amaranth, Caribbean spinach, Inca wheat, Chinese amaranth, callaloo, tampala and Chinese spinach. Both the leaves and seeds are edible, and this plant is highly nutritious. The leaves are rich in Vitamin C and iron with a taste rather like spinach, and the gluten-free seeds have a nutty flavour are high in protein and calcium.
In frost-free countries amaranthus can be an invasive plant, but this is not an issue in the UK. Amaranthus makes a good cut flower and can also be dried for arrangements.
Growing amaranthus is also a great way of growing your own wild bird food – birds love to eat the seeds.
With its beautiful plumes dancing in the breeze and nutritious grains and greens amaranth brings drama utility, and flavor to the garden. I’ve been growing this incredible plant for years and want to share my best tips for getting the most out of amaranth with proper care and cultivation.
Selecting the Right Amaranth Variety
There are over 60 species of amaranth so choose wisely based on your needs
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Upright plume varieties like ‘Hot Biscuits’ make stunning cut flowers with their large, colorful blooms.
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Trailing types like ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ work well in containers, spilling gracefully over the sides.
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Leaf amaranth like ‘Green Leaf’ produces tender greens perfect for salads and cooking.
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Grain varieties such as ‘Golden Giant’ yield healthy, gluten-free amaranth seeds.
Consider colors and eventual size when planning your amaranth garden.
Preparing the Soil for Healthy Growth
Amaranth thrives in fertile, well-draining soil. Before planting, work aged compost or manure into your garden beds to enrich the soil. Amaranth prefers a neutral soil pH between 6.0-7.5. Test your soil and amend as needed to reach this optimal range.
You can also grow amaranth successfully in containers at least 10-18 inches wide and deep filled with a quality potting mix. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients over time.
When and How to Sow Amaranth Seeds Outdoors
Amaranth is a warm season annual that can’t tolerate frost. After all danger of frost has passed, it’s safe to plant outdoors.
Direct sowing: For quick germination, sprinkle seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep in rows, raised beds, or containers. Space seeds 8-12 inches apart. Keep soil moist until sprouts emerge.
Transplanting: For a head start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside 8-12 inches apart after frost danger has passed.
Caring for Amaranth Through the Season
With proper care and cultivation, your amaranth will flourish:
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Sunlight: Amaranth thrives with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist, watering 1-2 inches per week. Avoid waterlogged soil.
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Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced organic fertilizer. Compost and manure also nourish amaranth.
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Maintenance: Pull weeds, mulch, and pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth.
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Support: Stake or trellis taller varieties over 3 feet to prevent toppling.
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Pests: Watch for aphids, beetles, caterpillars. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap as needed.
How to Harvest Amaranth for Continuous Yields
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Greens: Start harvesting young leaves 4-6 weeks after planting. Pick only what you need, leaving the growing tip intact to allow for regrowth.
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Seeds: Let flowers fully mature before seeds start browning and feel firm. Cut stems after morning dew dries. Further dry seeds before storing.
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Flowers: Cut established plumes on dry mornings. Immediately strip leaves and condition cut stems in water.
Tailoring Care to Specific Amaranth Varieties
Adjust your cultivation methods to suit the type of amaranth you’re growing:
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Upright plume amaranth can grow over 5 feet tall. Give them space between plants and sturdy stakes for support. Pinch back for bushier growth and more plumes.
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Trailing varieties like ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ can reach lengths of 3-4 feet long. Grow in raised beds or large containers to allow the stems to cascade fully.
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Leaf amaranth stays under 3 feet tall. Harvest greens regularly to encourage new growth. Mulch well to maintain soil moisture.
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Dwarf grain amaranth works well in small spaces. Allow seeds to fully ripen on the stems before harvesting.
Enjoying the Rewards of Growing Amaranth
However you choose to use amaranth, it’s sure to enhance your garden and kitchen:
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Add young leaves to salads, sautés, and smoothies. They have a mild spinach-like taste.
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Cook mature leaves as you would other hearty greens. They get velvety soft when braised.
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Grind nutritious seeds into gluten-free flour or pop them like miniature popcorn.
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Dry plumes and tassels for beautiful everlasting arrangements and crafts.
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How to harvest and use amaranthus
Both the leaves and seeds are edible. Pick leaves whilst small and tender to use in salads; use young or older leaves in stir-fries, curries and many other dishes. The seeds are similar to quinoa with a mild nutty flavour and again can be added to a range of dishes.
Harvest the ripe seeds in late summer or autumn by either shaking the seed heads over a container or into a bag whilst still on the plant. Alternatively, cut off the seed head and hang upside down enclosed by a bag for a few days until the seeds fall.
Growing amaranthus: problem solving
Amaranthus is mostly trouble-free to grow. Virus diseases can occur when plants develop pale, unhealthy or mottled leaves: there is no cure and affected plants should be destroyed. Because aphids transmit viruses, inspect plants regularly – small infestations can be controlled by hand-squashing or by simple chemical-free methods.
How To Grow Amaranth From Seed To Harvest! You MUST Grow This!
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