Amaranth is an annual ornamental plant that has been grown for its edible grain-like seeds for millennia. Amaranth are characterized by large, broad leaves with prominent veining. Each plant produces a single flower at the end of the tall reddish stem. Colors are usually burgundy, red, pink, or salmon. Amaranth grows best in average, well-drained soil, so ensure your chosen site has good drainage and air circulation. It requires at least six hours of sunlight, acidic soil, and temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
With its vibrant colors and tasty, nutritious grains and greens amaranth brings beauty and utility indoors. I’ve been successfully growing this incredible plant inside for years and want to share my best tips for cultivating lush healthy amaranth plants as houseplants.
Choosing the Ideal Pot and Soil for Amaranth
Amaranth plants need room for their long taproots to spread out, so select a pot at least 6 inches deep and wide. Shallow pots restrict root growth. Go for a standard potting mix amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Amaranth thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0.
Providing Optimal Lighting Conditions
Amaranth is a sun lover and needs at least 6 hours of direct light daily from a bright, south-facing window for robust growth Supplement with grow lights if sunlight is inadequate Fluorescent tubes placed 6-12 inches above the plants work well. Time grow lights to be on for 14-16 hours per day.
Watering Amaranth Plants Properly
Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom. This encourages deep roots. Add pebbles to trays under pots to prevent standing water. Drooping leaves often indicate under-watering.
Feeding Amaranth for Optimal Nutrition
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to provide amaranth with steady nutrients. Organic fertilizers like fish emulsion, compost tea, or kelp extract also work well.
Caring for Amaranth with Pruning and Grooming
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Pinch off growing tips when plants reach 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushy, compact growth.
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Remove any dead or yellowing leaves promptly to keep plants looking tidy.
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Harvest outer leaves as needed for eating to stimulate new growth.
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Let inner leaves remain until the plant bolts to produce seeds.
Dealing With Indoor Amaranth Pests and Diseases
Amaranth is fairly pest and disease resilient but can experience issues like:
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Fungal diseases if overwatered – allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Aphids, spider mites, thrips – wipe away with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap.
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Powdery mildew – increase air circulation and reduce humidity.
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Root rot – repot in fresh potting mix in a container with drainage.
Harvesting Amaranth Seeds and Greens
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Snip young leaves off as desired for salads and cooking. Older leaves get tough.
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Allow flowers to mature and dry before shaking seeds off the flower heads.
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For continuous leaf harvests, cut back plants by half after removing seed heads.
Tips for Growing Specific Amaranth Varieties
Tailor care to the type of amaranth grown:
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Leaf types like ‘Red Leaf’ stay compact and are best for greens.
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Tall, bold ‘Hopi Red Dye’ is ideal for seeds and cut flowers.
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Draping ‘Emerald Tassels’ looks lovely spilling from hanging baskets.
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Vibrant ‘Hot Biscuits’ adds a bright splash of color to the indoor garden.
Troubleshooting Common Amaranth Growing Issues
Leggy growth: Increase light intensity or duration. Pinch back tips to promote bushiness.
Few flowers/seeds: May need more sunlight or heat. Optimal temp is 65-75°F.
Leaf drop: Check for pests or root rot and remedy. Increase watering if soil is too dry.
Small leaves: Fertilize more frequently and make sure pot size is adequate.
Using Amaranth Plants in Unique Ways
The uses for amaranth go far beyond just ornamental appeal or nutrition:
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Create stunning floral arrangements with fresh-cut amaranth stems and blooms.
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Craft wreaths, garlands, and other decor from dried amaranth flowers.
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Add height and drama to indoor container gardens by incorporating tall amaranth varieties.
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Make gluten-free baked goods using ground amaranth seeds as a wheat flour substitute.
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Mix young leaves into mouthwatering smoothies, salads, stir fries, and more.
Enjoying the Benefits of Growing Indoor Amaranth
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Amaranth Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing amaranth:
- Grows best in any average well-drained acidic soil with good air circulation.
- Thrives in temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit; needs at least six hours of direct sunlight.
- Stagger its planting every two to three weeks to ensure continued production, beginning a week or two after the last frost date in your region.
- Plant them 10 to 18 inches apart.
- Supplementing with fertilizer is not necessary.
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The Spruce / Loren Probish
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The Spruce / Loren Probish
Types of Amaranth
Amaranth is an ancient crop originating in the Americas. It has been grown as a high-protein grain or a leafy vegetable for several thousand years, including by the Aztec civilization in Mexico in the 1400s. In the 1500s, the Spanish conquistadors outlawed its growth because of its religious significance to the Indigenous people. But now, its grown all over the world.
The Amaranthus genus features at least 75 annual and short-lived perennial species that easily cross-breed and hybridize. Varieties of amaranth can range from giants topping eight feet tall to smaller one- to two-foot plants better suited for leaf harvest. You should cultivate larger plants specifically grown for their seeds if you want to harvest the amaranth grain. Some popular varieties include:
- Red-leaf amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor): This variety has especially nutritious foliage that tastes like slightly tangy spinach. Molten Fire and Josephs Coat are popular cultivars of this species.
- Burgundy (A. hypochondriacus): Stunning purple leaves, red flowers, and white seeds adorn this variety.
- Hopi Red Dye (A. cruentus): An heirloom species, it produces excellent protein-rich black seeds.