How To Grow Amaranth

If you’re looking for a resilient and productive plant for your garden, learning how to grow amaranth is a fantastic choice. This ancient grain is not only beautiful but also surprisingly simple to cultivate, offering nutritious leaves and seeds from a single plant.

Often called a “superfood,” amaranth thrives in heat and can handle dry conditions once established. Whether you want to harvest its tender leaves for salads or its protein-rich seeds, this guide will walk you through every step. You’ll find it’s a rewarding addition to any sunny garden spot.

Getting started with amaranth is straightforward. The first step is choosing the right variety for your goals. Some types, like ‘Red Garnet,’ are grown primarily for their vibrant, edible leaves. Others, such as ‘Golden Giant,’ are cultivated for their abundant seed heads.

No matter the type, all amaranth plants share similar growing requirements. They love sunshine and warm soil. With a little planning, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Choosing Your Amaranth Variety

There are hundreds of amaranth species, but they generally fall into three main categories for gardeners:

Grain Amaranth: Varieties like ‘Plainsman’ or ‘Golden Giant’ produce large seed heads. The seeds can be popped, cooked into porridge, or ground into flour.
Leaf Amaranth: Cultivars such as ‘Joseph’s Coat’ or ‘Chinese Spinach’ are prized for there tender, flavorful greens. They are harvested young and used like spinach.
Ornamental Amaranth: Types like ‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’ (with long, trailing flower heads) or ‘Elephant Head’ offer stunning visual appeal. While often edible, they are primarily grown for decoration.

When and Where to Plant

Timing and location are key to your sucess. Amaranth is a warm-season crop that dislikes cold soil and frost.

When: Direct sow seeds outdoors 1-2 weeks after your last expected spring frost, when soil temperatures have reliably warmed to above 65°F (18°C). You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks earlier for a head start.
Where: Choose the sunniest spot in your garden. Amaranth needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining, though amaranth is adaptable to various soil types, even poorer ones.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

A little soil preparation goes a long way. While amaranth isn’t picky, it will perform best in soil with moderate fertility.

Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
Mix in a 2-3 inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and provides slow-release nutrients.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage too much leaf growth at the expense of seed production in grain varieties.
Rake the bed smooth, removing any large stones or debris.

Planting Amaranth Seeds

You can plant amaranth seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors. Here’s how to do both.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

After the danger of frost has passed, sow seeds thinly, about 1/4 inch deep.
Space seeds roughly 2 inches apart. You will thin them later.
Lightly cover with soil and water gently but thoroughly.
Seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days, depending on soil warmth.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Fill seed trays or pots with a quality seed-starting mix.
Place 2-3 seeds per cell, cover lightly with mix, and water.
Keep the trays warm (70-75°F is ideal) and moist until germination.
Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin to the strongest one per cell.
Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting them outside after frost.

Caring for Your Amaranth Plants

Amaranth is famously low-maintenance once it gets going. Consistent care in the early stages ensures strong, healthy plants.

Watering and Thinning

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until seedlings are established. After that, amaranth becomes quite drought-tolerant. Water deeply during extended dry periods, especially if you’re growing for seeds.

Thinning is crucial. When seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin leaf varieties to 6 inches apart. For large grain varieties, thin to at least 12-18 inches apart. This gives each plant room to reach its full size and improves air circulation.

Weeding and Mulching

Weed carefully around young plants, as amaranth seedlings can be slow starters and don’t compete well early on. Once plants are about a foot tall, they will shade out most weeds.

Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool. This simple step significantly reduces your maintenance work.

Fertilizing

Amaranth rarely needs heavy feeding. If your soil was prepared with compost, that’s often enough. If growth seems slow mid-season, you can side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer or a light application of compost tea. Remember, to much nitrogen can cause lush leaves but poor seed set.

Harvesting Your Bounty

The harvest method depends on whether you’re growing amaranth for leaves or for seeds.

Harvesting Amaranth Greens

You can begin harvesting young leaves when plants are about 6-8 inches tall. Simply snip off individual leaves or cut the entire plant about 2 inches above the soil. New leaves will often regrow for a second harvest. The leaves are most tender when young and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Harvesting Amaranth Grain

Harvesting seeds requires a bit more patience. The process is simple but timing is key.

Wait until the flower heads are fully formed and the seeds begin to dry on the plant. You’ll see the vibrant colors fade slightly.
Test by rubbing a flower head between your fingers; if seeds fall out easily, it’s time.
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 heads to release the seeds. Winnow by pouring the seeds from one bucket to another in a light breeze to remove chaff.

Common Pests and Problems

Amaranth is relatively pest-resistant, but a few issues can occassionally appear.

Aphids: These small insects may cluster on new growth. Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
Leaf Miners: They create squiggly lines inside leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves.
Damping Off: A fungal disease that kills seedlings. Prevent it by using clean pots, well-draining soil, and avoiding overwatering.
Bolting: If planted to early in cool weather, plants may flower prematurely. Always wait for warm soil to avoid this.

Saving Seeds for Next Year

Saving amaranth seeds is incredibly easy, making it a great plant for self-sufficient gardeners. Choose seeds from your healthiest, most productive plant.

Allow the seed heads to dry completely on the plant if weather permits. Process them as you would for harvesting grain. Store the cleaned, dry seeds in a labeled paper envelope in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly saved seeds can remain viable for several years.

FAQs About Growing Amaranth

Is amaranth easy to grow?

Yes, amaranth is considered very easy to grow. It thrives in hot weather, tolerates drought, and has few pest problems, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

How long does amaranth take to grow?

Leaf amaranth can be harvested in as little as 30-40 days. Grain amaranth varieties take longer, typically 90-120 days to reach full maturity and produce harvestable seeds.

Can you grow amaranth in pots?

Absolutely. Choose a large pot (at least 12 inches deep and wide) with good drainage. Dwarf or leaf varieties are best suited for container gardening. Ensure the pot gets full sun.

Does amaranth come back every year?

Most amaranth is grown as an annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one season. In very warm climates, some types may self-seed readily, giving the appearance of returning each year.

What are good companion plants for amaranth?

Amaranth grows well with corn, onions, and potatoes. Its tall structure can provide light shade for lower-growing, heat-sensitive plants like lettuce. It’s also belived to attract beneficial insects.

Growing amaranth adds beauty, resilience, and nutrition to your garden with minimal fuss. By following these simple steps—choosing a variety, planting in warm soil, providing basic care, and harvesting at the right time—you’ll be rewarded with a generous crop. Whether you enjoy the greens in a summer salad or the seeds in your winter baking, this versatile plant is well worth the small effort it requires. Give it a sunny corner, and it will likely become a garden favorite for years to come.