Amaranth
Amaranthus tricolor and A. cruentus (AMARANTHACEAE)
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Amaranth
You’ll find everything you need to know to grow amaranth in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- How much amaranth to plant
- Growing conditions for amaranth
- When to plant amaranth
- How to plant amaranth
- Watering, fertilizing, and thinning amaranth
- Companion plantings for amaranth
- How to harvest, store, and use amaranth
Growing Amaranth
Amaranth is a warm-season, leafy green vegetable similar in both taste and appearance to spinach. It grows best in warm, humid, near-tropical climates, and thrives in regions where other leafy greens including spinach may be subject to early bolting. It is rarely cultivated in the continental United States or Canada.
Amaranth Plant and Care Guide
How Much to Plant
Allow 4–6 plants per household member.
How to Plant
Seed germinates in 10–12 days. Sow seed in full sun in spring for summer harvest when soil warms to 60–80°F (16–27°C). Sow seed 1/4-in. (6-mm) deep, 8–12 in. (20–30 cm) apart, thinning to 4–6 in. (10–15 cm) apart, in rows 8–12 in. (20–30 cm) apart. Transplant seedlings when 3–3-1/2 in. (75–90 mm) tall, spaced 4–6 in. (10–15 cm) apart, in rows 8–12 in. (20–30 cm) apart.
Best Conditions for Growth
Growing temperature: 72–86°F (22–30°C). Best in warm climates with high humidity, a greenhouse, or other protected site. Protect plants from temperatures below 60°F (16°C).
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich. 5.5–7.0 pH. Prepare soil at least 2 ft. (60 cm) deep.
Proper Care
Challenging. Keep evenly moist; avoid wetting foliage. Fertilize semi-weekly with 10–10–10 formula or organic liquid fertilizer. Mulch. Cultivate. Pinch plants back when 7–8 in. (18–20 cm) tall for greater production.
Pairing Recommendations
Compact, leafy green vegetables, radishes, and strawberries.
Maturity, Picking and Gathering
42–70 days. Thin outer leaves when plant is 6–8 in. (15–20 cm) tall, then pick greens again when 4–5 new leaves emerge for continuous harvest of tender, edible leaves.
How to Preserve and Store
Store fresh in vegetable keeper of refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. Leaves are primarily used raw in salads or steamed for use as a cooked vegetable similar to spinach.