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Amaranth

Amaranthus caudatus, A. cruentus

Category: Flowers

These highly unusual plants give off a Victorian vibe in arrangements and the garden. Long ropes of blooms in deep red (Love Lies Bleeding), coral, green, bronze make a statement. It is also striking in hanging baskets. Other varieties like Hot Biscuits are tall and branching with plumed flowers.

How to Grow Amaranth

Quick Info

Spacing
1/Square
Depth
0 in
0 in
Sun
Part Sun to Full Sun
Water
1 in/week
Season
Warm
Frost
Not tolerant
Height
2-8 ft
Germination
7-10 days
Germination Temp
65-75 °F
Sprout to Harvest
65-75 days
Soil pH
Slightly Acidic

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Varieties

Aurelia's Verde
Aurelia's Verde Guatemalan amaranth, light green flowers, grain rich in vitamins. Revived by Aurelia's family. Proceeds donated to seed saving org.
Beetroot Vlathankara
Beetroot Vlathankara Delicious, ornamental, edible jewel from southern India. Tasty spinach alternative with beetroot-colored foliage & exquisite flavor.
Burgundy
Burgundy Cultivated for its dramatic burgundy plumes and protein-rich, edible seeds, this plant also offers delectable young leaves.
Chinese Multicolor Spinach
Chinese Multicolor Spinach Heat- & drought-tolerant, colorful leafy green popular in Asia. Tender, sweet, perfect spinach substitute. Matures in 30-40 days.
Coral Fountain Love-Lies-Bleeding
Coral Fountain Love-Lies-Bleeding Distinctive for its dramatic, long coral tassels, this amaranth is prized for both dried arrangements and its protein-rich, edible seeds.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks A fountain of eye-catching magenta-burgundy blooms with weeping habit. Seeds and young leaves are edible and highly nutritious.
Edible Red Leaf
Edible Red Leaf This heat-loving plant produces nutritious, flavorful leaves with a spinach-like taste and high-protein seeds, maturing in 90-110 days.
Elena's Rojo
Elena's Rojo Red-flowering, grain-type amaranth from Guatemala. Revived by indigenous farmer Elena. Proceeds donated to seed saving.
View all 18 varieties →

Diseases

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Cover seeds lightly with uniformly moist soil.

Planting Considerations

Plants are drought resistant. Staking is advised.

Harvesting

Pick when 3/4 of flowers are open for vase. For drying, pick when seed begins to set and flowers feel firm.

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