Thin seedlings 10-12 inches apart after they’ve sprouted. Plant seeds or transplants in the garden 6 to 18-inches apart with 18 inches between rows. Amaranth is a tall plant and can get up to 8-feet tall depending on the variety and conditions.
Red amaranth plants grown in containers tend to be smaller than those in the garden and usually grow to a height of about 3 feet (90 cm). They make some genuinely stunning ornamental plants with their burgundy leaves and vivid pink flowers as a bonus point.
How long does it take for amaranth seeds to grow?
If you want to harvest red amaranth seeds, you will need to be a bit more patient. Allow the plant to bloom, and wait until early autumn for the seeds to ripen. On average, it takes about 4 months from sowing before amaranth seeds are ready to be harvested.
Once planted, amaranth seeds will germinate in 3-10 days and seedlings will appear to grow slowly. When the plant reaches 1 foot tall, then it will start to grow rapidly in height and produce beautiful flowers. The grains will be ready to harvest in the fall once the flowers are brown and dry.
Large size and heat won’t turn amaranth leaves bitter, as often occurs with other leafy greens, so you can harvest at any point throughout the season. When harvesting the plant’s leaves, make sure to leave the crown intact, as well as some leaves around the top, so the plant can continue to grow.
What does amaranth look like?
The most striking aspect of amaranth is the flowers. They grow in drooping tassels, which give rise to its other common name, tassel flower. One of the more limited flowers, amaranth has a very basic color palette. The most common colors include red and purple. It is also known to bloom in fuschia and burgundy.
This of course begs the inquiry “What kind of soil does amaranth like?”
Amaranth plants grow well in average to rich, well-draining soil with equal amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. Like many vegetable crops, it needs at least five hours of sunlight a day to do well. While it grows best in moist but well drained soil, it will tolerate somewhat dry soil too.
What are the different varieties of amaranth?
Varieties of amaranth can range from giants topping 8 feet tall, to smaller 1- to 2-foot plants better suited for leaf harvest only. You should cultivate larger plants specifically grown for their seeds if you want the amaranth grain.
Do Amaranth plants bloom all summer?
They will produce of blooms on strong, straight stems. Flowers are long lasting, and will bloom from mid summer until frost. Amaranth resembles lamb’s-quarters and amaranth resembles red-rooted pigweed, especially in the early stages of growth, so it is best to sow seed in rows to make weeding less confusing.