How to Grow Amaranth

A warm-season leafy for the home garden across the warmer US.

Amaranth is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Amaranth in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the amaranth page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Red Garnet, Fast red-leaf greens and grain (Baker Creek)
• Green Callaloo, Caribbean cooking green (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 30 cm (12 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 25cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids. In humid regions, Leaf spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Amaranth is usually ready to harvest in roughly 4 weeks. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant amaranth where you garden.

See also: Amaranth in the plant library →

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