Overview:

Amaranth is technically an edible grain, but we are cut flower growers who use or ornamentally for its beautiful autumnal plumes. They thrive in poorer soils and come in shades of green, copper, red, magenta, and blush.

Adventure Level

1/5

Starting seeds:

You can either start these seeds inside or directly outside. I typically direct seed them because its less work in the long run, and these seeds are cheap so I can over-seed an area without too much financial investment. They grow fast indoors for me when room temps are in the mid to upper 70s. Seeds like to be surface sown, they need light to germinate. I sprinkle 2-5 seeds in each cell, water in a flat gently on a shower setting, then lightly dust the top of the tray with fine vermiculite. Place humidity dome on top of tray and place under grow lights. Once the seedlings emerge, take off the dome and let them grow on. Seeds usually take 3-5 weeks to be able to go into the field.

NOTE* for smaller plumes I do not think any of my amaranths before planting. Smaller plumes make them better to mix into bouquets. Each cell typically has 2-5 seedlings in them

When to plant outdoors:

I usually plant out into the field during Arizona’s monsoon which officially starts on June 15th. Typically I don’t plant them out until the middle of July. You Can also plant them outside after Our first frost.

Pinching:

For smaller more workable stems in bouquets, I pinch all of my amaranths when they are about 9-12” tall. I typically get 3-4 side shoots in this case.

Spacing:

6” - 9” apart
Sun:

Full sun, 6-8+ more hours per day.

Water:

Amaranth like consistent moisture, but benefits from drying out. Typically they are watered once per day in the ground during the summer months

Flower Support:

I only support my draping amaranth, upright amaranth typically doesn't need to be netted or caged. I like to use Hortonova in the field and Peony cages in containers or smaller garden settings.

Fertilizing:

Amaranth does not need a ton of fertilizer. They benefit from a balanced granular fertilizer at the time of planting, as well as a bi-weekly liquid feed. Maxsea and Neptunes Harvest are some of my favorite liquid fertilizers to use.

Succession plant?

I usually do two successions during the monsoons. You can plant them earlier in the spring, but I typically have enough flowers that I don’t need to grow them in the springtime. They have a longer harvest window than most plants so I find I can let them hang out in the field for longer.

Post care:

Amaranth is one of the few plants that I have found that benefit from floral food post-harvest.

Favorite Varieties:

Hot Biscuit

Coral Foutain

Red Spike