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.

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

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.

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.

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.