Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Easy
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 30-50 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Tender
Amaranth grows best in hot weather and doesn't do well if it's cold.
- Crops
- Summer
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Amaranth is a tropical plant that uses C4 photosynthesis (like corn and sunflower), which makes it particularly efficient in high heat and light intensities. Plant Amaranth in a warm sheltered spot with full sun.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 60°F - 95°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 50°F
Amaranth is a tropical plant so it likes warm soil.
- Start Indoors
- No
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool, Warm, Hot)
Amaranth is a tropical plant and thrives with full sun.
- Water
- Moderate
Amaranth is relatively drought tolerant and too much water may cause the roots to rot. However for maximum production of both leaf and seed the soil should never be allowed to dry out.
- Feeder
- Moderate
Amaranth grows fast and produces a lot of nutrition, so it's not surprising that it is a fairly hungry plant. It does best on a well-drained and fertile soil, similar to that for corn. If growing for seed, it will require more fertilizer than if you're growing it for leaves.
- Suitability
- Drought tolerant, High heat, Needs lots of space
- Small Gardens?
- No
- Containers?
- No-
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- -
- Fruit Size
- - "
- Plant Height
- 36.0 - 72.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 12.0 - 24.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-12
- Disease Resistance
- -
- Taste Profile
Younger leaves have a milder flavor and are good to use in salads. Mature leaves have a flavor similar to spinach. Use amaranth as a substitute for spinach in recipes.
Tasty seeds can be eaten raw, sprouted, toasted, roasted, or ground into flour for baking.
- Rotation Group
- Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens