Amaranthus Growing Guide

Amaranthus caudatus

Amaranthus

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any sunny site with good drainage.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Amaranth cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In early summer, drench plants with a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser to support vigorous growth.

Companions

Amaranth can grow to 1.8m (6 feet) tall, so it will dominate a group planting. Smaller varieties can be grown in large tubs.

Spacing

Single Plants: 45cm (1' 5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant amaranth in late spring or early summer, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. You can get an early start by growing seedlings indoors in late spring. Amaranth varieties that grow head high require 60cm (24 inches) between plants.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

The young leaves of most ornamental amaranth varieties can be picked and eaten as cooked greens. Tall varieties that produce large seed heads benefit from staking. Colours include dark red, orange and buff yellow.

Harvesting

Gather seed heads for fresh flower arrangements at any stage of maturity. Harvest seed heads for drying after most of the flowers have faded and the cluster feels firm. Hang up in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Troubleshooting

Night-flying beetles and other insects often chew holes in amaranth leaves, but the damage is mostly cosmetic.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Amaranthus