All About Amaranth Plant Seeds: Germination, Storage and Sowing

Amaranth is an ancient grain that has been grown for thousands of years. Recently, it has had a resurgence in popularity due to its nutritional benefits and versatility. Amaranth seeds can be used to grow edible leaves, beautiful flowers, or nutritious grains. Learning the proper methods for storing, germinating, and sowing amaranth seeds is key to getting a successful harvest.

A Brief History of Amaranth

Amaranth is considered an ancient pseudocereal that was first domesticated in the Americas over 8,000 years ago. It was a staple crop of the Aztecs, who called it huauhtli. They used amaranth to create a bread called alegría and to make alegría candies by mixing popped amaranth with honey or maguey sap. The Incas also cultivated amaranth and used it in their traditional drink chicha.

When the Spanish colonized the Americas, they attempted to suppress cultivation of the crop because it was associated with the pagan religious practices of the Aztecs Fortunately, amaranth continued to be grown in remote regions of Mexico and South America

Today, amaranth is regaining popularity worldwide due to its high nutritional content The grains are gluten-free and contain lysine, an essential amino acid typically low in cereal grains The leaves are also edible and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of Growing Amaranth

There are many benefits to growing your own amaranth plants

• Highly nutritious grains and greens. The seeds are protein-rich, while the leaves contain calcium, iron, vitamin C, and folate.

• Beautiful flowers. Many amaranth varieties produce vibrant blooms in colors like red, orange, and green.

• Versatile uses. Amaranth can be grown as a leafy green, for its edible seeds, or as an ornamental flower.

• Tolerates heat and drought. Amaranth thrives in hot weather and requires little water once established.

• Pest and disease resistance. Amaranth has few pests or diseases, so it’s easy to grow organically.

• Attracts pollinators. The flowers supply nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Easy to grow. Amaranth germinates readily and can be directly sown into the garden.

Amaranth Seed Germination

Amaranth seeds are tiny, similar in size to seeds of celery, poppy or carrot. There are around 500,000 seeds per ounce. They germinate best at warm soil temperatures between 70-85°F. Cooler soils below 65°F can inhibit or delay germination.

Here are some tips for getting amaranth seeds to germinate:

• Direct sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed.

• For a head start, sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost date.

• Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in loose soil. Amaranth has a small root system and doesn’t require a lot of depth.

• Keep soil moist, but not saturated. Excellent drainage is important.

• Expect germination in 4-7 days. Germination rate is over 80% if sown properly.

• Thin seedlings 8-12 inches apart once they sprout.

Amaranth will benefit from a seed starter fertilizer or compost tea at the time of sowing to give seedlings an early boost. Use row covers if cool evenings are forecasted.

How to Store Amaranth Seeds

Amaranth seeds will remain viable for 2-3 years if stored properly. To extend their shelf life:

• Allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant before harvesting.

• Separate seeds from chaff by gently rubbing flower heads together.

• Let seeds dry for 1-2 weeks after harvest before storing. The tiny seeds are prone to mold if stored wet.

• Place seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The refrigerator is ideal.

• For long term storage of over 1 year, consider freezing seeds in an airtight bag.

• Avoid storing amaranth seeds in humid areas like a basement or barn. The moisture can cause them to mold.

• Check seeds occasionally and discard any that appear discolored or shriveled.

With proper harvesting, drying, and storage methods, amaranth seeds will retain a high germination rate for several planting seasons.

When to Sow Amaranth Seeds Outdoors

Amaranth thrives in hot, sunny conditions. It can tolerate drought but appreciates consistent moisture when young. Follow these guidelines for sowing amaranth seeds outdoors:

Spring Planting

• Direct sow seeds after danger of frost when soil reaches at least 65°F.

• Start seeds in late spring, 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost.

• Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest into midsummer.

• Provide shade cloth or cloches if cold snaps occur after sowing.

Summer Planting

• Focus on heat-tolerant green and grain varieties in summer.

• Sow in July or August for a fall harvest.

• Provide afternoon shade in zones with extremely hot summers.

• Water regularly as seedlings establish. Mature plants are drought tolerant.

Fall Planting

• Only suitable for short season greens or microgreens in frost-free areas.

• Sow 6-8 weeks before first expected fall frost.

• Choose faster maturing leafy varieties like ‘Red Leaf’ or ‘Green Leaf’.

• Provide shade cloth and keep soil moist if temperatures spike above 85°F.

How to Sow Amaranth Seeds Indoors

Amaranth can be started indoors to get a head start on the growing season. Here’s how:

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before outdoor planting date.

• Use small containers or cell packs. Roots are shallow.

• Barely cover tiny seeds with soil, no more than 1⁄4 inch deep.

• Maintain warm temperature around 70°F for best germination.

• Grow seedlings under lights or sunny window with 6+ hours of sun daily.

• Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Fertilize once or twice with a balanced liquid fertilizer before transplanting.

• Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting into garden.

• Transplant outdoors after danger of frost when soil warms above 60°F.

With proper care, amaranth grown from seed indoors will establish rapidly outdoors and get a head start on flowering and grain production.

Optimal Soil Conditions for Amaranth

Amaranth adapts readily to most garden soils but thrives best in fertile, well-draining loam. Ideal conditions include:

• Loose, crumbly texture that is easy for roots to penetrate. Incorporate compost to improve density.

• Neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. Amaranth is sensitive to overly acidic soils. Test pH and amend with lime if needed.

• Good drainage. Wet soil will cause seedlings to damp off. Work in compost to improve drainage in clay soils.

• Moderate fertility. Amaranth is not a heavy feeder but benefits from compost or manure before planting. Fertilize growing plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion monthly.

• Full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth and seed production.

Preparing a raised bed enriched with aged manure or compost provides optimal growing conditions for a thriving amaranth crop.

How Far Apart to Space Amaranth Plants

Proper spacing of amaranth depends on which plant parts you intend to harvest:

• Microgreens: Up to 100 plants per square foot.

• Leaves: Space 6-12 inches apart in all directions.

• Flowers: Space 12-18 inches apart in rows 12-24 inches apart.

• Grains: Space 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.

Leafy varieties can be densely spaced like spinach. Taller flowering and grain types need wider spacing to allow air circulation and prevent fungal diseases. Start with recommended spacing, then thin as needed for plant size.

Common Pests & Diseases of Amaranth

Amaranth has relatively few pests and diseases compared to other garden crops:

Leaf miners create meandering trails in leaves. Remove infested growth promptly. Row covers prevent adult flies from laying eggs.

Cutworms chew seedlings at soil line. Apply diatomaceous earth around base to deter them.

Leafhoppers suck plant sap, causing curled or yellowed leaves. Strong sprays of water can dislodge them.

Fungal leaf spot creates brown spots on leaves in humid climates. Improve air flow and avoid wetting foliage.

Damping off