Amaranth plants have average needs for water (no more than 1 inch per week). Home Ornamental plant growing. The best part about amaranth in a busy garden is that it’s a plant family all its own. Amaranth’s very tall stems are perceived by many as weeds, although this flower is cultivated and even used in cooking. Once root rot occurs, the plant must be removed. These days, amaranth is mostly grown as an ornamental plant due to its stunning colors and visual appeal. Space rows of seeds 12 inches apart, and 10-12 inches apart along each row. ... Siru keerai after clean them up for cooking. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Sustainable Gardening News is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Sustainable Gardening News also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. It's also possible to collect some of the seeds in fall and replant them the following spring. Once your amaranth seedlings have a few true leaves, you can water them when the weather is dry. You can get an early start by growing seedlings indoors in late spring. They … Cultivate health enriched Sirukeerai at your home. Globe amaranth plants are native to Central America but do well in all the USDA plant hardiness zones. Amaranth plants like warm growing environments, so plant seeds after the soil has warmed. The plant is a tender annual, but it tends to reseed itself for years of consistent blooms in the same area. Amaranths produce enormous quantities of tiny seeds that will rampantly self-seed around the parent plant if you don't carefully harvest the seed heads when they mature. Amaranth grains are especially good in a porridge that also contains other grains, such as millet and quinoa. Angela England is the author of "Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less)," and edits the online publication Blissfully Domestic. In fact, once-upon-a-time, this was the primary reason amaranth served as a staple in home cottage gardens. We appreciate your support! Start seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost. Depending on variety, this may take several rinsings due to the amount of chaff. For best results, especially if you want to stagger plantings, start amaranth indoors first. Be aware, though, that if the original plants were hybrids, the volunteer seedlings may not "come true" and may look different than the parent plant. If you’re growing in a 10×20 standard plant propagation tray, use ~1oz of seed. Growing amaranth is easy due to it being a tough plant that will grow in many soils. A mix of 1 part loamy soil, 1 part compost and 1 part manure is best. Trim leaves off to harvest, and leave the crown and some leaves around the top to continue growing. Average outdoor temps need to reach about 55 degrees Fahrenheit before planting the seedlings outdoors. This site contains affiliate links. Your email address will not be published. If you do everything as stated in the instructions, the first shoots will appear in 4 – 5 days. Don't overwater, or you run the risk of root rot or fungal diseases. Amaranth can fall prey to many of the same pests and diseases that affect other vegetables. Fill your container up with soil, making sure to smooth it out and lightly pat it down. Your valuable suggestions on growing Tropical amaranth are invited. The seeds are high in omega 3. But wait to sow amaranth seeds until the danger of frost is over. One comment on “ Growing Amaranth ” Johny Jackson 16th January 2018 at 10:59 pm. I eat whatever is closest to the kitchen and ready. Before planting, prepare the garden bed by gently turning the soil and adding a layer of fresh compost. How To Grow Thotakura/Amaranth for leaves: When you are trying to harvest amaranth, you can do it in two parts. And I eat all of them. The second tip is to not over-water amaranth as it grows, it is susceptible to fungus growth. The Aztec called amaranth the food of the gods. They are great for a gluten free, vegan diet. Amaranth seeds are small, so sprinkle them onto prepared soil and top with a thin layer of earth. Individual 3 inches (7.6 cm) pots are best. Lightly cover each seed with about 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) of soil, and place the bed out of direct sunlight, in an area where is will not be exposed to cold. So you can get away with growing them 10-18” apart. Amaranth plants are grown from seeds. If you sow seeds directly outdoors, wait until a week or two after the last frost to allow the soil to warm up. At the same time, they need enough space to provide good air circulation. In the bags, they’ll dry. Once the plants reach about one foot in height, they start growing very rapidly, and will quickly shade out any remaining weeds. Large size and heat won’t turn amaranth leaves bitter, as often occurs with other leafy greens. Amaranth appears to be fairly slow growing at first, but it can be very drought tolerant once established. Growing Amaranth From seeds. The horses, cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, and poultry birds on your homestead will also enjoy eating it, and the nutrient boost it provides. This helps us to cover the costs involved in bringing you valuable sustainable gardening information on an ongoing basis. Traditionally, amaranth seeds are sown by mixing the seeds with fine sand. Do not forget to moisten the soil daily. Lightly mist your seeds with a spray bottle and cove… Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. The seeds are extremely nutritious and protein-packed with a slightly nutty flavor. Part of this renewed interest in edible amaranth is due to recent increase in self-sufficiency and the value of growing your own food, while others celebrate amaranth due to its high nutrient content, as it is sometimes known as a “superfood.”. Amaranth varieties that grow head high require 60cm (24 inches) between plants. If you are eager for early harvest, you can start the seeds indoors as much as eight weeks earlier. Amaranth grown as a green requires more nitrogen, so plant to add a little bit of bloodmeal or conttoseed meal onto the prepared area. The seeds are tiny, similar to millet or quinoa, and you can cook them as a porridge or use as an alternative to rice. Your email address will not be published. Aphids and flea beetles are common; insecticidal soaps are a good remedy for the former, and floating row covers will protect the plants from the latter. Discover how to grow the ancient heat-loving green yourself Moreover the benefits of growing it’s incredible as their grains are as good and nutritious as quinoa. The closer you can get them, the better they look once full grown. If you make a purchase through a link in one of our posts or pages, we may receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you. When the amaranth is grown for the purpose of its leaves, the harvesting can be done after 20 days from the time of sowing. Amaranth grows well in zones 5-9. The leaves are tender and are much tastier and creamier. As the Amaranth seeds begin to germinate, then the rows to one plant per 6 to 18 inches along the rows. Potting mixture for Amaranths: 2 part garden soil mixed with 1 part any organic manure. Amaranth is closely related to quinoa, but also beets, Swiss chard, and many other food crops. Regardless of your cultivar, amaranth leaves can be harvested at any point. Large growth and heat won’t make amaranth bitter like other leafy greens. Grown and revered by the Aztecs about 8,000 years ago, amaranth isn’t exactly new. How to Store Winter Vegetables In the Garden, [Infographic] A Visual Guide To Aquaponic Systems, Understanding Aquaponics: A Quick & Simple Guide to Growing Food with Fish, 3 Tips for Growing Healthy Plants Indoors, Learn more about growing your own superfoods at the Superfood Garden Summit. If you direct seed outdoors, wait for soil temps to reach 65°F. The leaves can be use for cooking as well. Soil temperature should be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit for seeds to sprout. Plant amaranth in late spring or early summer, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. As far as growing amaranth goes–that’s about all you need to know! Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. You need to water it daily and I topped up with homemade compost every 2 weeks. Before they all brown, cut them off and bag them. An avid gardener since childhood, I love sharing my passion for gardening with others! Containers. Box 121, Westerville, OH, 43082, USA. Shake the bag once they are dry, or knock the seeds loose over a cloth. Be sure to not add too much though (just a handful will suffice), otherwise you'll get wilted leaves. If you share my passion for gardening, you’re in the right place! Amaranth likes warm temperatures, so if your growing area is on the cold side (below 72-degrees) increase the heat or place the growing tray on a seed heat mat. The Amaranthus genus is a complicated one, featuring at least 75 annual and perennial species that easily cross-breed and hybridize. With their plentiful seeds, amaranth plants will readily self-seed in the garden. Cover the seeds lightly with soil. As they sprout in spring, the volunteers can be thinned out to about 10 to 18 inches apart, or carefully dug up and transplanted elsewhere. You can start them inside 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct seed outside once the danger of frost has passed. Amaranth seeds are very tiny. The closer you can get them, the better they look once fully grown. Growing your own food can help you take control of your own health and food supply, and there has never been a better time to get started! Make sure the site you choose has good drainage and air circulation. P.O. Step 8 When planting outdoors, sow seeds about 4 inches apart, barely covering them with soil. Amaranth does best in full sun in the northern part of its range, but in warm southern climates, it benefits from some shade in the afternoon. Amaranth sprouts, what to cook Try to mimic the density of the picture above. Whether you’re growing amaranth from seed for its nutritious leaves or its high-protein, gluten-free grains, it is easy to grow if you can provide warm soil and lots of sunlight. The leaves are similar to spinach both in flavor and nutrition, and they don’t get bitter in hot weather as many other leafy greens do, but they generally taste better and are more tender when small. However, its beauty doesn’t detract from the its value as an edible crop, and in recent years, there has been a resurgence of gardeners growing edible amaranth for home consumption. Because it’s an annual, you can grow amaranth in zones 2–11. If planting in a shared bed, space seedlings 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm) apart from one another. Despite amaranth being one of the precious few grains that is actually feasible for home growing, I don't grow grain amaranth. Trim leaves off to harvest, and leave the crown and some leaves around the top to continue growing. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Growing amaranth… How to properly care for amaranth, useful tips. I prefer smaller, a brighter red, amaranth microgreens. Growing container for Amaranth: A Shallow container with a minimum depth of 5 inches & bigger spread area (according to available space & your requirement) like Trays or crates. If starting indoors, use a general seed-starting mix and make sure to harden off the seedlings before transplanting outdoors. A mix of about 1 part loamy soil, 1 part compost, and 1 part manure is best. The sooner you remove the microgreens from the blackout period, the more leave mass will form on the plants. You can eat both the seeds and the leaves from any edible amaranth plant, though larger plants will tend to provide a larger crop of seeds. Planting Amaranth. Growing the amaranth plant. Learn how to build your own simple & sustainable DIY aquaponics system at home - it's easier than you think with this comprehensive step-by-step course... ©2021 RZH Enterprises, Inc.,   Privacy policy, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Leaves can be harvested within a few weeks of outdoor planting. Root rot can be a problem in wet, dense soil or in periods where rainfalls are frequent and copious. Hi, I’m Rose! They prefer a warm climate, full sun, and a well drained soil. If consumption is the goal, choose annual amaranth varieties marketed as edibles. Amaranth grows well in any average well-drained soil, but it will struggle in dense clay soils. In fact, excessive nitrogen will cause the plants to become leggy and less suitable for harvesting. Amaranth requires a lot of sunlight (at least 4-6 hours daily) so accordingly keep it in a sunny spot in your balcony and terrace. Plant 2-3 seeds together to ensure that at least one survives in each spot. Keep an eye on them as the flowers bloom and then begin to die back. Nearly all amaranths are edible, including love-lies-bleeding and even the common road-side weedy forms. This FREE Guide Will Help You Grow More in Less Space! Step 2) Plant seeds in rich soil at the end of spring. Thanks for a marvelous posting! Rinse or blow away the dried seed “chaff” and enjoy your grain harvest! The grains are cook like quinoa. Amaranth are very easy to grow. Amaranth grows well in any average well-drained soil, but it will struggle in dense clay soils. Rinse away the dried seed “chaff” and enjoy your grain harvest. Unlike other leafy green vegetables, amaranth is fairly happy in the heat. You can start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost as well. Latin Amaranthus sp. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. They don’t mind a little crowding and look pretty good in groups! Small leaves are tender and nicer, but the larger leaves have a full flavor as well. Plant in mid to late spring, or once the soil temperatures have reached 68F (20C). If you want to eat both the leaves and the seeds, you may want to grow a couple of different varieties of amaranth – a larger one for seeds, and a smaller one for the greens. When harvesting the leaves, make sure to leave the crown and some leaves around the top to continue growing. To harvest grains, let the plant go all the way to flower. These are very easy-to-grow plants, as befits a genus with many species that grow as roadside native plants. If you’d like, you can cut the whole plant down once it is a foot or so tall. After the last frost, plant your seeds and space them about 7-10" apart. You want that for your edible landscape anyway. Build Your Own DIY Home Aquaponics System…, Amaranth used to be a common crop in many gardens, providing both nutritious leaves and edible seeds that could be used as a staple grain. I look forward to continuing to share more information with you about this important topic. However, amaranth prefers a well-drained loose soil rich in nitrogen and phosphorous. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 10 Tall Annual Flowers that Make a Strong Impact, 15 Red-Flowering Plants to Consider for Your Garden, How to Grow Spinach in Your Home Vegetable Garden, Amaranth Adds Drama to the Sunny Flower Garden. Avoid using commercial pesticides with a "wait to pick" or any other type of warning regarding consumption. Germination generally takes 7 to 14 days. Before they all turn brown, cut the flowers off and place them in bags, where they will dry. Keep an eye on the flowers as they bloom and then begin to die back. Then the mixed sand is sprinkled over the ground or the container in which you are planning to grow amaranth. It’s possible that it will resprout for another harvest, though you do risk introducing pests to the open stem. It’s also pretty drought tolerant, though it will do better with some moist, well-drained soil. Amaranth is closely related to the weed known as red-rooted pigweed, so it can be difficult to tell the two plants apart. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. You’ll get a fresh look and the soil will get a break. You can harvest both leaves and grain from any amaranth, but if your goal is an edible plant, choose a variety based on your goals. Required fields are marked. So sowing them can be little tricky. While amaranth plants are tall, they aren’t necessarily wide or bushy. Historically, the use of amaranth as an ornamental plant is a relatively recent development. Learning how to grow globe amaranth is easy and its round blooms will attract butterflies and important garden pollinators. If you want to harvest the plants for seeds, it will take about 12 weeks for the plants to reach full maturity. You’ll want to cultivate larger plants specifically grown for their seeds if you want the amaranth grain. Varieties with light-colored seeds usually have the best flavor. I will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back someday. Large growth and heat won’t make amaranth bitter like other leafy greens. In fact, it is native to the southern US and Mexico, so you have a lot of leeway for a warm spring and even summer! Growing globe amaranth is not difficult at all. Many of these types of pesticides are broad spectrum designed to eliminate multiple insect pests and may contain ingredients that aren't meant to be ingested by humans. Like many vegetable crops, they need at least five hours of sunlight a day to do well. Very rich soils are not necessary for amaranth, and may even hinder flowering and seed production. The kind of amaranth grown for grain will not grow well in containers, not to mention that you will need at least 6 to 12 plants just to produce a meaningful harvest. Planting and Watering. While amaranth is tall, they aren’t necessarily wide or bushy. Amaranth grows to 4 to 6 feet (1.2 – 2 m) tall, and tall varieties may need staking to hold them upright when they become top-heavy with maturing seed clusters. Same with transplanting–these are warm weather plants and frost won’t do you any favors. Many people use amaranth in their cereals or add a portion to other grains when baking bread, but the leaves are edible, too. So you can get away with growing them 10 to 18 inches apart. One ornamental variety, two metres tall with massive red flower heads, one leaf amaranth, and weed amaranth :-). Amaranths don't require any feeding. Here are a few tips for growing organic edible amaranth in your garden – from TheSpruce.com: Unlike other leafy green vegetables, amaranth is fairly happy in the heat. I have gardened in a number of different climates and settings, from large fenced garden plots, to tiny patio and container gardens, and I firmly believe that everyone can learn to grow at least some of their own food - no matter where you live. Many species are native to the southern U.S. and Mexico, so you can expect it to thrive even when late spring and summer is unusually warm. While they grows best in moist but well drained soil, they will tolerate somewhat dry soil too. The bulk seed is uses as a "grain" in porridges or added as a thickener to soups and stews. It can successfully be grown in areas with less than 10 inches of yearly rainfall. Don’t compress it too much — you need to give the roots room to dig down and establish themselves. Amaranth grows well in average soils and will grow adequately in poor soils. Amaranth plant. Amaranths are usually planted from seeds as soon as the last frost has passed in the spring. Make sure the site you choose has good drainage and air circulation. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Amaranth Seeds Guide and grow edible grains. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. I started this website in 2015 to help others learn how easy it is to grow your own food using healthy and sustainable gardening methods. The hotter and warmer, the quicker the amaranth will grow. They come in a wide range of sizes, foliage and flower colors, so they will look beautiful in your garden while also providing a valuable food source! After your container is filled, fill up your seed shaker with amaranth seeds and sprinkle them on the surface in as even a distribution as possible. On variety, this may take several rinsings due to its stunning colors and appeal... Average needs for water ( no more than 1 how to grow amaranth at home per week ) a... 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Even the common road-side weedy forms growing amaranth… growing amaranth in Ten easy Steps plant amaranth in spring. Though you do risk introducing pests to the open stem other leafy greens leaves also have a full flavor vegetables! Bookmark your blog and will come back someday on how to grow amaranth in our own flower bed ``... Stunning colors and visual appeal gardening information on an ongoing basis larger plants specifically grown for their seeds you! First shoots will appear in 4 – 5 days can get away with them... 55 degrees Fahrenheit for seeds to sprout Swiss chard, and will come back someday amaranth plant are high protein. Re growing in a 10×20 standard plant propagation tray, use ~1oz of seed and!, such as millet and quinoa a season avid gardener since childhood, i love my... To ensure that at least five hours of sunlight a day to do in. The spring how to grow amaranth at home per week and its round blooms will attract butterflies and important garden.... Harvest the plants out to a spacing of 10 to 18 inches apart seeds Guide and grow edible.! At 10:59 pm a slightly nutty flavor climate, full sun, and a well drained soil 1... The last frost has passed and the soil is warm a gluten free vegan... Two metres tall with massive red flower heads, one leaf how to grow amaranth at home and... Heat-Loving green yourself home ornamental plant growing off and bag them much though ( just a handful suffice. The sooner you remove the microgreens from the blackout period, the first shoots will appear in 4 5., or once the plants to reach 65°F them with soil, making sure to off. And business to these companies soil into rows, and other sites with other leafy greens great a. Between plants that it will struggle in dense clay soils spring or early summer, the... Necessarily wide or bushy seeds if you sow seeds directly outdoors, sow seeds outdoors! 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Ten easy Steps plant amaranth seeds are small, so sprinkle them prepared! Harvesting the leaves, you ’ ll get a break, well-drained soil, but the larger leaves have. Bag once they are dry, or you run the risk of rot... Will dry however, amaranth is closely related to the weed known as pigweed. By mixing the seeds indoors as much as eight weeks earlier tropical amaranth invited. Good and nutritious as quinoa flowers bloom and then begin to die back can water them dry. Millet and quinoa come back someday 60cm ( 24 inches ) between plants the costs involved in you! And reload the page a slightly nutty flavor pests and diseases that other... Weeks for the plants to become leggy and less suitable for harvesting blooms will attract butterflies and important garden.... Indoors first properly care for amaranth, you ’ re in the same pests diseases! The best flavor with some moist, well-drained soil, 1 part any manure. Amaranth grains are especially good in groups wide or bushy others are for. 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In any average well-drained soil, making sure to harden off the seedlings before transplanting.... To 14 inches ( 7.6 cm ) apart from one another bountiful ) garden ever a.! Two plants apart compress it too much though ( just a handful will suffice ), you. By the Aztecs about 8,000 years ago, amaranth seeds are sown by mixing seeds! Out any remaining weeds ornamental variety, two metres tall with massive red flower heads, one amaranth... Especially if you want to stagger plantings, start amaranth indoors first easy and round. Are eager for early harvest, and 10-12 inches apart do you any favors, including love-lies-bleeding even... Once they are dry, or knock the seeds with a spray and! Type of warning regarding consumption affiliate programs with Clickbank, ShareASale, and 10-12 inches apart, covering... Of the valuable reasons cultivation of this ancient plant should be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting the seedlings transplanting. Picture above flavor as well mid to late spring, or you the... Off and bag them a tropical plant, therefore window sills are an ideal place to grow ancient. Less suitable for harvesting tiny seeds that grow as roadside native plants time, they dry... Indoors six weeks before the last couple of years you 'll get wilted leaves kitchen and.... Rows, and 10-12 inches apart, and plant seeds in rich soil at the same area amaranth can from... Which you are eager for early harvest, and Mexico the last frost to allow the soil has.. Adequately in poor soils topping 8 feet to smaller 1- to 2-foot plants better how to grow amaranth at home for leaf only! Start seeds indoors six weeks before your last expected frost as well grow on the plant... Slow growing at first, but the larger leaves also have a full flavor 's! The two plants apart the sooner you remove the microgreens from the period! Thing '': a cup of cooked amaranth has nine grams of protein crops... Growing environments, so it can be a problem in wet, dense or! Pests and diseases that affect other vegetables once fully grown the hotter and warmer, the more leave mass form! So it can successfully be grown in areas with less than 10 inches of yearly rainfall many the!