The Many Marvelous Types of Amaranth Plants

Amaranth plants comprise a genus that contains over 60 different species. While several types are considered pesky weeds, there are many amaranthus cultivars that are prized for their edible greens and seeds or their stunning, long-lasting flowers. With their diversity in appearance, growth habit, and uses, amaranth plants have something to offer all gardeners.

I love growing different types of amaranthus in my garden for their versatility. The trailing amaranthus species look fantastic spilling out of containers on my patio. Tall, upright amaranthus varieties give height and drama to the back of my flowerbeds. And I regularly harvest the nutritious greens and seeds from several amaranthus cultivars in my vegetable garden.

If you are not already growing these amazing plants. learning about the many different types of amaranth may just convince you to give them a try!

Popular Ornamental Amaranthus Varieties

While a couple amaranth species are valued for both their striking flowers and edible seeds, most ornamental types are grown solely for their vibrant, plume-like blooms These tassel-shaped flowers come in a wide range of colors and add long-lasting beauty to any garden.

Here are some of my favorite ornamental amaranthus varieties:

• Amaranthus caudatus – Also called love-lies-bleeding, this heirloom amaranth has cascading burgundy or gold flowers that can reach 2-3 feet long. An eye-catching addition to bouquets.

• Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hot Biscuits’ – This variety produces plumes in a unique copper-bronze shade. The bronze color intensifies as the flowers transition to seed heads.

• Amaranthus hypochondriacus ‘Pygmy Torch’ – A dwarf amaranthus cultivar that grows just 1-2 feet tall. Its deep red blooms look fantastic in containers.

• Amaranthus caudatus ‘Dreadlocks’ – As its name suggests, this type has unique twisted garnet-colored flower spikes. A shorter, bushy plant that’s perfect for borders.

• Amaranthus cruentus ‘Autumn’s Touch’ – This bicolor amaranth has plumes that combine shades of green and bronze. Its thick stems don’t require staking.

Leafy Greens Amaranthus Cultivars

In addition to producing lovely flowers, several amaranthus species are valued for their edible nutrient-packed leaves. These types are often compared to spinach but have their own unique, slightly sweeter flavor. Young amaranth greens can be harvested just 20-25 days after sowing seeds.

Some of the most popular leafy amaranthus varieties include:

• Amaranthus tricolor – A stunning plant grown for its foliage in shades of red, yellow, and green resembling a poinsettia. But its young leaves also make a nutritious addition to salads and stir fries.

• Amaranthus cruentus – This fast-growing amaranth can be harvested multiple times in a season. Both its leaves and seeds are edible.

• Amaranthus blitum – Also known as purple amaranth, this type has a compact growth habit with purple tinted foliage. Its leaves are tender and tasty.

• Amaranthus dubius – Known as red spinach, this amaranth has attractive reddish stems and veins on its leaves. Its tender greens are delicious steamed or sautéed.

• Amaranthus tricolor – As its name suggests, this plant has striking tricolored foliage. But it also produces a high yield of edible greens.

Amaranth Grown for Seeds

In addition to leafy greens, a number of amaranthus varieties are cultivated specifically for their nutrient-dense, protein-rich seeds. These seeds can be cooked and eaten as a cereal grain, added to baked goods for extra nutrition, or simply eaten by the handful as a snack.

Here are some of the most popular amaranthus cultivars grown for seeds:

• Amaranthus hypochondriacus – This amaranthus species thrives in hot climates and produces a high yield of large seeds. It grows up to 6 feet tall.

• Amaranthus cruentus ‘Montana’ – A dwarf, early maturing amaranth that produces an abundance of seeds on 18 inch plants. A great option for short growing seasons.

• Amaranthus cruentus ‘Plainsman’ – This variety performs well even in dry conditions. The plants grow 3-4 feet tall and produce copious amounts of tiny brown or ivory colored seeds.

• Amaranthus caudatus – Also known as love-lies-bleeding, this ornamental amaranth also produces edible seeds in addition to its cascading blooms.

• Amaranthus hypochondriacus ‘Golden Giant’ – As the name suggests, this cultivar produces large golden hued seeds in high yields. It grows up to 5 feet tall.

Striking Foliage Amaranthus Plants

In addition to their uses as food and ornamentals, some species of amaranth are prized simply for their stunning tropical foliage. These eye-catching plants add bold color and dimension to flower beds and containers.

A few of my favorite amaranth varieties grown for foliage include:

• Amaranthus tricolor – This plant’s foliage comes in a vibrant mix of reds, yellows, and greens. It resembles a poinsettia and is sometimes called “summer poinsettia.”

• Amaranthus tricolor ‘Early Splendor’ – An improved amaranthus tricolor cultivar with brighter gold, red, and green foliage. Its compact size makes it perfect for containers.

• Amaranthus tricolor ‘Perfecta’ – This cultivar has striking bright yellow leaves with brilliant red accents. A real standout in mixed flower beds.

• Amaranthus gangeticus – Also known as elephant-head amaranth, this type has unique greyish green foliage shaped like an elephant’s head. Perfect for tropical garden themes.

• Amaranthus illicifolius – Called the cosmos amaranth, this plant has intricately cut leaves that resemble a fern. A beautiful and unusual foliage specimen.

How to Grow Amaranthus Plants

One of the reasons I love growing amaranthus is that caring for these plants is so easy. Here are a few simple tips for growing success:

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Amaranth can be directly sown outside after danger of frost has passed.

• Plant seeds 1⁄4” deep in loose, well-draining soil. Thin seedlings to 12-18” apart.

• Amaranth thrives in full sun locations with fertile, moist soil. Add compost or manure at planting time.

• Water plants regularly to keep soil consistently moist, but not saturated. Apply mulch to help retain moisture.

• Harvesting greens frequently promotes continued leaf production. Timely harvesting of spent flowers ensures ample seed production.

• Tall amaranth varieties may require staking to prevent toppling, especially in windy or rainy conditions.

• Pinching back growing tips encourages bushier, more compact plants for containers and flowerbeds.