How to Grow Amaranth: A Complete Gardening Guide

Amaranth is a stunning and versatile addition to any garden. With its vibrant seed heads, nutritious leaves, and valuable grain, this ancient plant has been cultivated for centuries. Not only does it bring a burst of color to your garden, but it also attracts pollinators and offers multiple uses, from cooking to floral arrangements. If you’re interested in learning how to grow amaranth successfully, this guide will walk you through everything from planting to harvesting.

A Brief History of Amaranth

Amaranth has a rich history, particularly in the Americas. The Aztecs cultivated it as a staple crop and even used it in religious ceremonies, referring to it as the “food of the gods.” Today, indigenous communities in the Southwest and Northern Mexico continue to harvest wild amaranth greens, especially during the monsoon season. This drought-resistant plant has proven its resilience for centuries, making it an excellent choice for modern gardens.

Best Amaranth Varieties to Grow

There are many types of amaranth, each with unique characteristics. Some are best for culinary purposes, while others shine as ornamental plants. Here are a few popular varieties:

• Hopi Red Dye – Known for its striking red leaves and flowers, this variety was traditionally used by the Hopi Nation as a natural dye.
• Mountain Pima Greens – Originating from the Sonora/Chihuahua region of Mexico, this variety is prized for its tender greens and light-colored seeds used in pinole.
• Chinese Giant Orange – A highly productive variety that can grow up to 8 feet tall, producing large seed heads perfect for grain harvest.
• Love-Lies-Bleeding – An ornamental variety with long, cascading red flower clusters, making it a dramatic addition to any landscape.

When and Where to Plant Amaranth

Amaranth thrives in warm temperatures and full sun (at least six hours daily). If you live in a region with hot summers, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plants from extreme heat. Here’s what you need to know before planting:

Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with added compost is ideal.

Planting Time:

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds outdoors once the soil temperature reaches at least 65°F (18°C).

Starting Indoors: Begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them once the weather warms up.

Spacing: Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.

Arizona Planting Dates: March-April and July-August (during monsoon moisture).

How to Care for Amaranth as It Grows

Once your amaranth is established, proper care ensures a bountiful harvest. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering helps develop strong root systems.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning: Trim plants above two sets of leaves when they reach 8-10 inches tall to encourage branching.

Support: Some taller varieties may require staking to prevent them from toppling over.

Harvesting Amaranth: Leaves, Grains, and Flowers

Amaranth offers multiple harvest options, depending on how you plan to use it:

Harvesting Leaves: Pick young, tender leaves for fresh salads or cooking. Older leaves are best sautéed like spinach.

Harvesting Grains: Cut the seed heads before they dry out completely and drop their seeds. Place them in a paper bag, allow them to dry, then shake them to release the seeds.

Harvesting Flowers: If using amaranth for floral arrangements, cut stems when the seed heads reach their peak color. Strip the lower leaves and place them in water with a floral preservative to extend vase life.

Uses for Amaranth

Amaranth is more than just a beautiful garden plant—it’s packed with nutrition and versatility:

Culinary Uses:

• The seeds are gluten-free and contain all essential amino acids, making them a great protein source.
• Use grains to make porridge, bread, or even popcorn.
• Leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be eaten fresh or cooked like spinach.

Gardening Benefits:

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Provides shade and natural support for climbing plants in a Three Sisters Garden setup.
• Ornamental Value: Adds stunning color and texture to flower arrangements, lasting up to 10 days in a vase.

Growing amaranth is rewarding whether you’re looking for a nutritious food source, an ornamental accent, or a pollinator-friendly plant. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy vibrant foliage, tasty greens, and a nutrient-rich grain harvest. So why not add amaranth to your garden this season and experience its beauty and benefits firsthand? We hope this how to grow Amaranth guide will help you to grow your own your garden.

For more gardening tips and inspiration, stay tuned to Sow Haven—your go-to source for all things gardening!