When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
If you are growing amaranth, it’s no wonder, with its nutrient rich greens and seeds. Plus, the seed heads are truly lovely and add a unique focal point to the landscape. So when the amaranth seed heads are plainly visible, is it time to harvest the amaranth? How do you know when to harvest amaranth? Read on to find out how to harvest amaranth and other information about harvesting amaranth grains.
Amaranth is a plant that falls into one of four categories: grain, vegetable, ornamental or weed. The differences are more or less cultural preferences, as all types are edible and highly nutritious. Both the greens and seeds are edible, with the greens tasting somewhat like spinach, and the seeds milled into flour or eaten much like quinoa with a similar protein punch. While of the 60-70 species of amaranth, 40 are considered native to the Americas, you are likely growing one of three: A. hypochondriacus (Prince’s Feather), A. cruentus (Purple Amaranth) or A. tricolor (Tampala, which is grown chiefly for its leaves). The seeds from the first two are off-white to pale pink, while the latter is black and shiny. Harvesting amaranth grains from all types of amaranth is okay but, in some arenas, mixing the black seed in with the paler grains is considered to be a contaminant, which is purely cosmetic in thinking since they are all edible.
Growing my own food is one of my greatest joys as a home gardener. While nurturing plants from seed to harvest requires effort the bountiful rewards make it all worthwhile. Amaranth is one of my favorite plants to cultivate. Its beautiful flowers and highly nutritious seeds keep me coming back season after season.
However, properly harvesting amaranth at the ideal stage is key to reaping its full benefits. In this comprehensive guide, I will share everything I’ve learned about identifying the perfect timing and using the right techniques for harvesting amaranth
An Overview of Amaranth Plants
For those new to growing amaranth, here’s a quick introduction to this incredible plant:
-
Amaranth is an annual warm season crop belonging to the amaranthus genus.
-
There are over 60 different species, including grain amaranth and vegetable amaranth.
-
Grain types are grown specifically for their edible seeds, while vegetable amaranth is cultivated for its nutrient-packed leaves.
-
Amaranth plants can grow anywhere from 3-8 feet tall, depending on the variety.
-
The flowers are bright and lush, ranging from red, pink, gold, purple and cream shades.
When to Harvest Amaranth Leaves
If growing vegetable amaranth for the edible greens, timely harvesting is important for best flavor and texture.
Signs that Amaranth Leaves are Ready for Picking
-
Plants are at least 6-8 inches tall.
-
Leaves are tender and bright green. Older leaves will be darker.
-
Pick before appearance of flowers and seeds.
Harvesting Amaranth Leaves
-
Use scissors or pruners to cut each leaf off at its base.
-
Pick only the mature leaves from the outside, allowing inner ones to continue growing.
-
Harvest leaves as needed, being careful not to remove more than 30% foliage at once.
-
Optimal time is in the morning after dew dries for maximum crispness.
-
Store freshly cut leaves in plastic bags or containers in the fridge.
When to Harvest Amaranth Seeds
Grain amaranth is cultivated specifically for its protein and nutrient-dense seeds. Timing the seed harvest correctly results in higher yields and viability.
Here are the signs that your amaranth seeds are ready for harvest:
-
Plants are fully mature, around 4-6 months old.
-
Flowers start fading and drying out.
-
Seeds feel hard and dry if you squeeze them gently.
-
Seed heads turn brown and start dropping easily if touched.
-
Tiny birds start feasting happily on the seed heads.
Techniques for Harvesting Amaranth Seeds
Follow these steps for collecting amaranth seeds efficiently:
1. Cut Seed Heads
-
Use clean gardening shears to cut off entire seed heads carefully.
-
Place heads in paper bags or open containers. Plastic causes moisture build up.
-
Label bags for easy identification of each variety.
2. Hang Heads Upside Down
-
Hang bags with heads upside down in a warm, dry indoor area with good air circulation.
-
The best spots are near an open window, on a wall hook, or suspended from the ceiling.
-
This allows seeds to dry thoroughly and drop out from the seed heads.
3. Collect Dry Seeds
-
Check bags regularly over 2-3 weeks.
-
When seed heads are totally dry, gently crush them by hand over the container to remove any remaining seeds.
-
Sieve or winnow the collection to remove chaff and debris. Place seeds in airtight jars or bags for storage.
-
Label and store seed containers in a cool, dark place until next planting season.
Getting Multiple Harvests from Amaranth Plants
With proper care, you can harvest amaranth leaves and seeds successfully from the same plants in one growing season. Here are some tips:
-
Start by harvesting leaves when young. Allow plants to mature for the seed harvest later on.
-
Pinch off any flowers that form early to prolong leaf production.
-
Water and fertilize plants to fuel regrowth after cutting leaves.
-
When flowers reappear, stop removing them. Allow seeds to develop.
-
Harvest leaves sparingly once seed heads start forming.
-
Finally, harvest mature seeds once they are fully dry and firm.
Drying Amaranth Leaves and Seeds
Preserving the harvested amaranth properly is vital for year-round nutrition. Here are some drying methods:
For leaves:
-
Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2-3 mins and drain excess liquid.
-
Place leaves in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 95°F until fully dried.
-
Alternatively, bake leaves in the oven on very low heat with the door slightly open. Stirring occasionally speeds up drying.
-
Crumble leaves once dried and store in airtight jars or bags.
For seeds:
-
Dry seed heads thoroughly after harvest by hanging upside down in bags.
-
Spread seeds in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 115°F until hard and brittle.
-
You can also use the oven method just like drying leaves.
-
Cool dried seeds fully before transferring to labeled, airtight containers for storage.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Proper storage preserves the nutrients in amaranth and maintains seed viability for future planting. Here are the best storage practices:
-
Place dried leaves or seeds in labeled, opaque airtight containers like mason jars.
-
Store containers in a cool, dark place like the pantry. Avoid humidity and sunlight.
-
Check containers occasionally for moisture buildup. Use silica gel packs if needed.
-
For long term storage, the freezer is ideal. Place seeds or leaves in freezer bags and squeeze out excess air.
-
Use dried leaves within 6 months and seeds within 1-3 years for best quality and germination rates.
Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues
Even seasoned gardeners can face some harvesting challenges with amaranth. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Seeds falling before maturity – This is usually due to weather events like heavy rain or wind. Provide stakes for support and shelter.
Difficulty separating seeds and chaff – Allow seed heads to dry further after harvest before threshing.
Lower seed yields – Apply sufficient fertilizer during growing season and harvest at optimal maturity.
Seeds failing to develop – Some varieties may require a second amaranth variety for pollination. Interplant with another type.
Leaf margins browning early – Harvest leaves promptly and water adequately to avoid excess wilting or scorching.
Premature flowering – Pinch off flowers to promote more leaf growth and delay flowering.
Uses for Your Amaranth Harvest
The fun doesn’t stop once your amaranth is harvested! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy the fruits of your labor:
-
Add young leaves to salads, smoothies, soups. They have a mild spinach-like taste.
-
Use older leaves in stir fries, curries, stew and other cooked dishes.
-
Grind amaranth seeds into a gluten-free flour for baking.
-
Cook seeds as a cereal, or use like quinoa in dishes.
-
Pop seeds on the stove like popcorn for a crispy, nutty snack.
-
Sprout seeds to add microgreens to sandwiches, wraps, and more.
How to Harvest Amaranth
Now that you’ve ascertained that the seed is ready to harvest, you can either cut, hang dry the plants and then separate the seeds from the chaff, or wait to cut the tassel from the plant on a dry day, 3-7 days after a hard frost. By then, the seeds will definitely be dry. However, the birds may have gotten to a lot more of them than you will. Another way to harvest the amaranth is once the seeds begin to readily fall from the tassels, take the seed heads in your hands and rub them over a bucket to catch the seed. The latter method will require multiple harvests in this manner to remove any remaining seeds as they dry. It also lessens the amount of debris and chaff that needs to be removed. Regardless of how you harvest your amaranth seeds, you will need to winnow out the chaff from the seed. You can do this by means of successive sieves; stack different sized sieves from smallest on the bottom to the largest at the top and shake the seeds and chaff through them. Once you take your sieve stack apart, you will be left with one that contains only seeds. You can also use the ‘ramp’ method for removing the seeds from the chaff. This is also referred to as the ‘blow and fly’ method and should really be done outside, lest you want a mess in your kitchen. Set a cookie sheet flat on the ground and using a cutting board, create an angled ramp. Pour the seed onto the cookie sheet and blow towards the ramp. Seeds will roll up the ramp and back down, while the chaff will blow beyond the cutting board. Once you have harvested the amaranth, it needs to be completely dried before you store it; otherwise, it will mold. Leave it on trays to dry in the sun or inside near an indoor heating source. Stir the seed around on occasion until they are completely dry. Store them in an air tight container in a cool, dry area for up to 6 months.
When to Harvest Amaranth
You can begin harvesting amaranth plants for greens almost immediately. Young greens are perfect for salads, while older greens are better when cooked like spinach. Seeds ripen about three months after planting, usually in the mid- to late summer, depending on your climate and when you planted. They are ready to harvest when they begin to fall from the flower head (tassel). Give the tassel a gentle shake. If you see seeds falling from the tassel, it’s amaranth harvest time.
Everything you need to know about Amaranth from growing and harvesting to eating and storing
FAQ
When and how to harvest amaranth?
Does amaranth regrow after cutting?
When to cut amaranth?
Does amaranth come back every year?