Collection: Amaranthus Seeds

This annual plant gives such a beautiful, ornamental bloom that florists have recognized it as a great addition to cut flower arrangements. A source of food in Africa, you may already have its sister plant, Pigweed, growing from your soil already. We love Amaranthus seeds for the flame like blooms as seen in Pygmy's Torch and Green Thumb, or the drooping elephant (think Snuffleupagus) tusk-like draping quality of the blooms on Viridis or Love Lies Bleeding. The two upright varieties, Green Thumb and Pygmy's Torch have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Growing amaranthus in your garden

  • Multiple varieties to choose from
  • Both ornamental and edible
  • Can be used in cut flower arrangements
  • Drought-tolerant

  • main-collection-product-grid love lies bleeding

    Love Lies Bleeding Seeds

    A unique growth habit of cascading pink plumes attract pollinators

    Love Lies Bleeding Seeds

    A unique growth habit of cascading pink plumes attract pollinators
    Regular price As Low As $4.49
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.49
  • main-collection-product-grid amaranth pygmys torch

    Amaranthus Seeds - Pygmy Torch

    This compact heirloom variety is perfect for drying and crafting

    Amaranthus Seeds - Pygmy Torch

    This compact heirloom variety is perfect for drying and crafting
    Regular price As Low As $4.49
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.49
  • main-collection-product-grid amaranth viridis

    Amaranthus Seeds - Viridis

    The distinctive green tassels are perfect for dramatic bouquets

    Amaranthus Seeds - Viridis

    The distinctive green tassels are perfect for dramatic bouquets
    Regular price As Low As $4.49
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.49
  • main-collection-product-grid Red Garnet Amaranthus

    Amaranth Seeds - Red Garnet

    Antioxidant filled fuchsia leaves makes wonderfully rich microgreens

    Amaranth Seeds - Red Garnet

    Antioxidant filled fuchsia leaves makes wonderfully rich microgreens
    Regular price As Low As $4.49
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.49
  • main-collection-product-grid amaranth green thumb

    Amaranthus Seeds - Green Thumb

    Experienced and beginning gardeners alike will appreciate this edible ornamental

    Amaranthus Seeds - Green Thumb

    Experienced and beginning gardeners alike will appreciate this edible ornamental
    Regular price As Low As $4.49
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.49
  • main-collection-product-grid Green Callaloo Amaranthus

    Amaranth Seeds - Green Callaloo

    High heat tolerance, young leaves can be eaten raw or in soups

    Amaranth Seeds - Green Callaloo

    High heat tolerance, young leaves can be eaten raw or in soups
    Regular price As Low As $4.49
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.49
  • main-collection-product-grid Molten Fire Amaranthus

    Amaranthus Seeds - Molten Fire

    Ruby-colored new growth contrasts with mature foliage for a striking visual effect

    Amaranthus Seeds - Molten Fire

    Ruby-colored new growth contrasts with mature foliage for a striking visual effect
    Regular price As Low As $4.79
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $4.79
  • main-collection-product-grid Perfecta Amaranthus

    Amaranthus Seeds - Perfecta

    Festive firecracker-like foliage adds interest in the garden

    Amaranthus Seeds - Perfecta

    Festive firecracker-like foliage adds interest in the garden
    Regular price As Low As $5.79
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $5.79
  • main-collection-product-grid amaranthus hot biscuits

    Amaranthus Seeds - Hot Biscuits

    Holds their beautiful rustic color longer than most amaranths

    Amaranthus Seeds - Hot Biscuits

    Holds their beautiful rustic color longer than most amaranths
    Regular price As Low As $5.79
    Regular price Sale price As Low As $5.79
  • main-collection-product-grid amaranth josephs coat early splendor

    Amaranthus Seeds - Joseph's Coat Early Splendor

    Green leaves change to stunning bright shades of orange, yellow, and red throughout the summer

    Amaranthus Seeds - Joseph's Coat Early Splendor

    Green leaves change to stunning bright shades of orange, yellow, and red throughout the summer
    Regular price $5.79
    Regular price Sale price $5.79

Growing amaranthus in your garden

  • Multiple varieties to choose from
  • Both ornamental and edible
  • Can be used in cut flower arrangements
  • Drought-tolerant

growing amaranth in your garden

Amaranth has become a favorite ornamental flower among gardeners. It is, nevertheless, an edible plant that is farmed for its grain-like seeds in many parts of the world. Amaranth has traditionally been planted as a source of food in countries all over the world, thus its usage as a beautiful plant is relatively recent. In fact, it is thought to be a very old grain! The many seeds that dangle from the plant like chandeliers are why edible amaranth is so popular. Amaranth flowers, leaves, and stems range in color from scarlet to maroon, making it a fantastic eye-catcher in the yard. There are various types, some of which can reach a height of ten feet! Its tall stalks create an excellent trellis for climbing vine plants like beans and peas. Not only that, but the grain it produces provides tasty food for birds. Bees are attracted to it as well.

how to plant amaranth seeds

In the spring, sow your amaranth seeds. While the seeds can be planted directly in the ground, we recommend beginning them inside around six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Choose a location that gets plenty of sun and has well-draining soil (not dense clay). Plant the seeds 10 to 12 inches apart, then lightly cover them with soil. If the temperature is between 60 and 90°F, the seeds will germinate in three to four days. If you started them indoors, sow them one to two feet apart when you're ready to transplant them outside. It just has to be watered once or twice a week during dry months because it is drought resistant. Apply fertilizer or compost to tall plants once or twice a year. The usual amaranth plant tends to be between four and six feet tall, but with good soil and sufficient of nitrogen and phosphorus, the plants can grow to reach up to eight feet tall.

harvesting amaranth

Amaranth flowers until the first severe frost, which means there will be plenty of seed to harvest in the interim! The seeds from the blossoms will be ready to harvest in around three months. Shake the flower heads gently, catching the falling leaves in a big bowl or bag. You can cut and dry amaranth and use it in dry flower arrangements if you don't want to harvest the seeds.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for Amaranth seed, please see our Amaranth Seeds Planting Guide.