Grow Amaranth From Seed

Want to add a beautiful, nutritious, and resilient plant to your garden? Learning how to grow amaranth from seed is a fantastic project for gardeners of all levels. This easy step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from seed to harvest.

Amaranth is a powerhouse plant. Its leaves are a tasty cooked green, and its seeds are a gluten-free grain packed with protein. The plants themselves are stunning, with vibrant, long-lasting flowers that can be green, red, or purple. Best of all, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance once established.

You can successfully grow amaranth from seed either by starting them indoors or sowing directly in your garden. The method you choose depends on your climate and how long your growing season is. Both ways are straightforward, but starting indoors gives you a head start, especially in cooler regions.

Why Choose Amaranth for Your Garden?

There are so many reasons to plant amaranth. It’s not just another pretty face in the garden.

Drought Tolerant: Once established, it handles dry spells much better than many garden vegetables.
Dual-Purpose Harvest: You can enjoy the young leaves as a spinach-like green and later harvest the protein-rich seeds.
Pollinator Friendly: The tiny flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects all season long.
Low Maintenance: It has few pest or disease problems and doesn’t require rich soil.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering your supplies before you begin makes the process smooth. You won’t need anything fancy.

Amaranth seeds (choose a variety for leaf, grain, or ornament)
Seed starting trays or small pots (if starting indoors)
Seed-starting mix or well-draining potting soil
A sunny windowsill or grow lights
Garden space with full sun
Watering can with a gentle rose

Step 1: Choosing Your Amaranth Variety

There’s many types of amaranth, so pick one that suits your goals. Some are bred for there tender leaves, others for abundant seed production, and many for incredible ornamental value.

For Greens: Varieties like ‘Tampala’ or ‘Joseph’s Coat’ produce excellent, tender leaves.
For Grain: ‘Golden Giant’ or ‘Hopi Red Dye’ are known for their reliable seed yields.
For Beauty: ‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’ has dramatic, long red cascades. ‘Elephant Head’ is another stunning ornamental.

Step 2: When and How to Sow Seeds

Timing is key. Amaranth loves warmth and won’t tolerate frost.

Starting Amaranth Seeds Indoors

Begin indoors about 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. This gives the seedlings a strong start.

Fill your trays or pots with a moist seed-starting mix.
Sprinkle the tiny seeds lightly on the surface. They need light to germinate, so barely cover them with a dusting of soil or vermiculite.
Gently water using a spray bottle or a gentle pour to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Place in a warm spot (70-75°F is ideal) and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days. Once they do, move them to a very sunny window or under grow lights.

Sowing Amaranth Seeds Directly Outdoors

Wait until the soil is thoroughly warm, at least 1-2 weeks after your last frost. Nighttime temperatures should be reliably above 50°F.

Choose a sunny spot and loosen the soil. Amaranth isn’t picky about soil fertility but good drainage is essential.
Scatter seeds thinly in rows or in a block, covering them with about 1/8 inch of fine soil.
Water gently and keep the area moist until seedlings emerge and get established.
Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about 10-18 inches apart, depending on the variety’s mature size.

Step 3: Caring for Your Amaranth Plants

Amaranth care is simple. The most important thing is to not over-complicate it.

Sunlight: Provide full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering: Water young plants regularly. Mature plants are drought-tolerant but will produce better with weekly watering during dry periods.
Weeding: Keep the area around young seedlings weed-free. Once amaranth is a foot or so tall, it will shade out most weeds itself.
Fertilizing: Usually not necessary. If your soil is very poor, a light side-dressing of compost mid-season is plenty.

Step 4: Managing Pests and Problems

Amaranth is remarkably trouble-free. You might see some common garden visitors, but serious damage is rare.

Aphids: These can sometimes cluster on new growth. A strong spray of water from the hose usually knocks them off.
Leafminers: You might see squiggly lines on leaves. Just pick off and destroy affected leaves; it’s rarely a major issue.
Damping Off: This fungal disease affects seedlings. To prevent it, use clean pots, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering your young plants.

Step 5: Harvesting Your Amaranth

This is the rewarding part! How and when you harvest depends on wether you want greens or grain.

Harvesting Amaranth Greens

You can start harvesting young leaves when plants are about a foot tall. Simply snip off the top few inches of growth, including the tender leaves. This actually encourages the plant to become bushier. Continue harvesting leaves as needed, but stop once the plant starts to focus on flowering.

Harvesting Amaranth Grain (Seeds)

This requires a bit more patience. Wait until the flower heads are large and the seeds are visible.

Watch for the flower heads to start drying and the seeds to feel hard. You might see a few seeds starting to drop.
Cut the entire seed head and place it in a paper bag or on a screen in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.
Once completely dry (this can take a few weeks), rub the seed heads between your hands over a bucket to release the seeds.
Winnow the seeds by pouring them gently between two bowls in front of a fan. The breeze will blow away the lighter chaff, leaving the heavier seeds behind.

Storing and Using Your Harvest

Fresh amaranth leaves should be used within a few days, like spinach. For long-term storage, they can be blanched and frozen. Dried amaranth grain should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The seeds can be popped like popcorn, cooked into porridge, or ground into a nutritious flour.

FAQ: Your Amaranth Questions Answered

How long does amaranth take to grow from seed?

For leaf harvest, you can start picking in about 30-40 days. For a full grain harvest, most varieties need 90-120 frost-free days.

Can I grow amaranth in a pot or container?

Yes, you can! Choose a larger container (at least 12 inches deep and wide) and a compact variety. Ensure it has excellent drainage and water it more frequently than in-ground plants.

Is amaranth a perennial plant?

No, amaranth is grown as a warm-season annual. It completes it’s life cycle in one growing season and will not survive winter frost.

Do birds eat amaranth seeds?

Yes, birds love them. If you’re growing for grain, you may need to protect the seed heads with lightweight bird netting as they mature and dry.

Can I save seeds from my amaranth plants to replant?

Absolutely. Let some seed heads fully mature and dry on the plant. Harvest and store them as described above. Amaranth can cross-pollinate, so saved seeds might not come true to type if you grow multiple varieties close together.

Growing amaranth from seed is a simple and satisfying garden adventure. With just a little preparation and basic care, you’ll be rewarded with a striking plant that provides both beauty and food. Give it a try this season—you might just find it becomes a new garden favorite.