Gardening Plants & Flowers Annuals

How to Grow and Care for Amaranth

This colorful annual plant is also cultivated for its superfood seeds

Amaranth plant with small burgundy flowers on small tassels in front of silvery-green leaves

The Spruce / Loren Probish

Amaranth is an annual ornamental plant that has been grown for its edible grain-like seeds for millennia. Amaranth are characterized by large, broad leaves with prominent veining. Each plant produces a single flower at the end of the tall reddish stem. Colors are usually burgundy, red, pink, or salmon. Amaranth grows best in average, well-drained soil, so ensure your chosen site has good drainage and air circulation. It requires at least six hours of sunlight, acidic soil, and temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Common Names Amaranth, amaranthus, love lies bleeding, tassel flower
Botanical Name Amaranthus spp.
Family Amaranthaceae
Plant Type Annual
Mature Size 2–4 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Full, partial
Soil Type Moist but well-drained
Soil pH Neutral, acidic
Bloom Time Summer, fall
Flower Color Red
Hardiness Zones 2-11 (USDA)
Native Area North America, South America

Amaranth Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing amaranth:

  • Grows best in any average well-drained acidic soil with good air circulation.
  • Thrives in temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit; needs at least six hours of direct sunlight.
  • Stagger its planting every two to three weeks to ensure continued production, beginning a week or two after the last frost date in your region.
  • Plant them 10 to 18 inches apart.
  • Supplementing with fertilizer is not necessary.
Amaranth plant with tiny burgundy flowers clumped on dangling tassels closeup

The Spruce / Loren Probish

Amaranth plant with tall stems and light green leaves and burgundy flower tassels on ends

The Spruce / Loren Probish

Light

Amaranth does best in full sun in the northern part of its range, but in warm southern climates, it can benefit from some shade in the afternoon. Generally, plant amaranth in a location where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Soil

Amaranth grows well in average soils and will even grow adequately in poor soils. Though very rich soils might hinder flowering and seed production, only dense clay mixtures will likely be unsuitable for amaranth.

Water

Amaranth plants have average needs for water, requiring no more than one inch per week. Take care not to overwater them or risk root rot or fungal diseases.

Temperature and Humidity

Unlike other leafy green vegetables, amaranth is pretty happy in the heat. Many species are native to the southern United States and Mexico, so you can expect them to thrive even when hot. The plant thrives best in temperatures between 70 and 85 F.

Fertilizer

Amaranth doesn't require any supplemental feeding. Excessive nitrogen (often found in fertilizers) can cause the plants to become leggy and less suitable for harvesting.

Types of Amaranth

Amaranth is an ancient crop originating in the Americas. It has been grown as a high-protein grain or a leafy vegetable for several thousand years, including by the Aztec civilization in Mexico in the 1400s. In the 1500s, the Spanish conquistadors outlawed its growth because of its religious significance to the Indigenous people. But now, it's grown all over the world.

The Amaranthus genus features at least 75 annual and short-lived perennial species that easily cross-breed and hybridize. Varieties of amaranth can range from giants topping eight feet tall to smaller one- to two-foot plants better suited for leaf harvest. You should cultivate larger plants specifically grown for their seeds if you want to harvest the amaranth grain. Some popular varieties include:

  • Red-leaf amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor): This variety has especially nutritious foliage that tastes like slightly tangy spinach. 'Molten Fire' and 'Joseph's Coat' are popular cultivars of this species.
  •  'Burgundy' (A. hypochondriacus): Stunning purple leaves, red flowers, and white seeds adorn this variety.
  • 'Hopi Red Dye' (A. cruentus): An heirloom species, it produces excellent protein-rich black seeds.

Pruning

Provide support for these heavy plants, such as tomato cages, stakes, or netting, to keep them upright. Pinch the plants for more manageable plants that don't grow over 6 feet. Cut back the center stem when the plants are about knee height. Clipping the main stem will promote branching with smaller and easier-to-access stems.

After harvesting the flowers, "deadhead" the spent blooms so they do not go to seed and continue to send up blooms until frost arrives. 

Propagating Amaranth

Amaranth plants will readily self-seed in the garden. However, you can also propagate amaranth by stem cuttings and division. These methods are faster than using seeds and produce identical plants.

To propagate amaranth using stem cuttings, here's how:

  1. You'll need a fresh, moistened potting soil container, sterilized pruners, a transparent plastic film or bag, and rooting hormone.
  2. Cut a healthy stem from an existing plant below a node where a leaf attaches to the stem and remove all leaves except for two or three at the top.
  3. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
  4. Place the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting soil and cover it with plastic to create greenhouse conditions, keeping the soil moist.
  5. Once you notice new growth, usually after about two weeks, remove the plastic cover and move the cutting into bright but indirect sunlight.

By dividing, you separate an older, established plant into smaller ones. To propagate amaranth using division, here's how:

  1. Dig up the plant from outdoors or its pot, and using a sharp knife or scissors, separate the roots into smaller sections with at least one stem and several roots.
  2. Replant each section in bright, indirect light; water well.

How to Grow Amaranth From Seed

Collect seeds in the fall and replant them the following spring. When sowing amaranth outdoors, space seeds about four inches apart after the soil has warmed in late spring, barely covering them with soil.

Germination generally takes 7 to 14 days. Seeds require a minimum soil temperature of 50 F to germinate but will germinate much quicker at 68 F or above. As they sprout, thin the plants 10 to 18 inches apart; you can carefully dig them up and replant them elsewhere. Here's how to plant the seeds:

  1. If starting seeds indoors, use a general seed-starting mix.
  2. Sow seeds roughly 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
  3. Cover seeds lightly and keep them consistently moist at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. After the seeds sprout, place the plants under bright light to continue growing until they're ready to move outside.
  5. Harden off the seedlings to prepare them for outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.

Potting and Repotting

Amaranth can be grown in hanging baskets, but depending on the variety, it can grow very large and develop long roots. Larger containers are best for this plant, like 10 gallons or larger.

It's primarily an annual, so it should not need more than one growing container unless upgrading from its seedling container. Use well-draining potting soil and ensure the container has ample drainage holes.

Overwintering

This plant will die in the winter, but because it self-seeds quite readily, you can count on new plants popping up in the spring.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Amaranth can fall prey to many of the same pests and diseases that affect other vegetables. Aphids and weevils are common. Insecticidal soaps are a good remedy for the former and floating row covers protect the plants from the latter. Avoid using commercial pesticides with a "wait to pick" or any other type of warning regarding consumption. Many of these types of pesticides are broad-spectrum, designed to eliminate multiple insects, and might contain ingredients not meant to be ingested by humans.

Root rot can be a problem in wet, dense soil or in periods where rainfalls are frequent and copious. Once root rot occurs, the plant must be removed. Your best defense against root rot is maintaining well-drained soil and not overwatering the plant.

How to Get Amaranth to Bloom

Amaranth reliably blooms from midsummer to the first frost. The beautiful amaranth blooms can be enjoyed as cut flowers, or allow them to brown and dry by cutting the entire flower stalk and drying them out in a paper bag.

Bloom Months

Amaranth typically begins blooming in July.

How Long Does Amaranth Bloom?

Amaranth blooms last from July to first frost. Deadhead to encourage more blooms.

What Do Amaranth Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Amaranth flowers have showy, drooping, fuzzy red clusters of flowers with a mild, non-floral grassy scent.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Deadheading or removing the spent blooms is the best way to get more blooms.

Deadheading Amaranth Flowers

Deadheading is excellent for encouraging more blooms and also removes the risk of the plant self-seeding.

Common Problems with Amaranth

Amaranth is heat and drought-resistant and is easy to grow. However, you may notice any of the following issues:

Amaranth Not Blooming

If amaranth is not blooming, it is most likely lacking sunlight. It needs full sun to bloom.

Browning Leaves

Browning is often a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely since it's drought-resistant.

Bird Destruction

Use netting to keep away birds. Birds love the seeds and will rip apart your flowers. Netting may preserve your flowers but hinder pollinators from reaching your plants.

FAQ
  • What parts of amaranth can I use or eat?

    Edible amaranth is often grown for the plentiful tiny seeds that hang in tassels from the top of the plant after the attractive red flowers fade. The bulk seed is used as a grain in porridges or as a thickener in soups and stews. You can also use the leaves of amaranth as a leafy vegetable; the taste is similar to spinach, and it can be used the same way as many other leafy vegetables, especially in mixed-green salads.

  • How do I harvest amaranth?

    To harvest amaranth grains, let the plant flower. Keep an eye on the flowers as they bloom and die back. Before they turn brown, cut the flowers off and place them in bags where they will dry. Shake the bag once dry or knock the seeds loose over a cloth. Rinse away the dried seed chaff and enjoy your grain harvest. Amaranth is especially good in a porridge containing other grains like millet and quinoa.

  • What are the benefits or characteristic properties of amaranth?

    Amaranth seeds are considered an ancient grain that has historically been used for its nutritious properties, combining the characteristics of a health-promoting food and a raw material with potential therapeutic activity.

  • How do I know I have the right variety of amaranth?

    If consumption is the goal, choose annual amaranth varieties marketed as edibles. Nearly all amaranths are edible, including 'love-lies-bleeding' and even the common roadside weedy forms (avoid any that may have been treated with pesticides). But those sold as edible varieties are selected for their good seed production and especially tasty leaves.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Amaranthus Caudatus. Missouri Botanic Garden.

  2. Amaranth. University of Wisconsin.

  3. Amaranth was once outlawed by Spanish colonists. Now, it represents the resilience of Indigenous food systems and the courage of seed savers that preserved the plant for today. University of California Berkley Food Institute

  4. Amaranth. Penn State University Plant Village.

  5. Amaranthus Caudatus. Missouri Botanical Garden.

  6. Baraniak J, Kania-Dobrowolska M. The dual nature of amaranth—functional food and potential medicineFoods. 2022;11(4):618.