Amaranthus

( am - ar - RANTH - us )

At-A-Glance Information

Amaranthus, commonly called Amarynth or Tassel Flower, is a genus of flowering annuals or short-lived perennials that takes full sun or partial shade and needs regular water. These can be coarse and sometimes weedy, but ornamental types are more attractive and are grown for their brightly colored foliage and flowers. Leaves and stems, if picked when young, can be used like spinach. Some species produce edible seeds that mimic sesame seeds and have a high protein content. The Aztecs consumed both the leaves and seeds of many species, but only three species are regularly consumed currently. They bloom from mid-summer through the first frost of the year and are great in mixed beds, on trellises or other structures, and as additions to edible gardens.

Amaranthus Species and Varietals

There are about 75 species in the genus Amaranthus, which is a member of the family Amaranthaceae. The genus is named for the Greek words for 'unfading flower' (amarantos anthos). Amaranthus grows best in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Amaranthus acanthochiton (Greenstripe, Greenstripe Amaranth)
This annual species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. It is considered relatively rare, and is on critically endangered lists in Utah and Arizona. This plant was historically used by the Hopi as a staple food source. Individual plants reach between 4 and 30 inches in height when mature and in bloom. Flowers are pale green and leaves are slender and green.

Amaranthus arenicola (Amaranthus torreyi) (Sand Amaranth, Sandhill Amaranth, Torrey's Amaranth)
This species is found growing wild in many areas in the United States and prefers sandy riverbeds, lakes, and fields. It is native to the central plains from Texas through South Dakota, and has been introduced to other areas. Plants can reach 6.5 feet tall and have light green-yellow flowers.

Amaranthus australis (Southern Amaranth, Southern Water-Hemp, Careless)
This species reaches between 3 and 10 feet tall, and has been recorded at a height of 30 feet in its native habitat. It is found in many areas on the United States, Mexico, the West Indies, and South America. They prefer wetland habitats, and are relatively short lived perennials.

Amaranthus blitum (Amaranthus lividus) (Purple Amaranth, Guernsey Pigweed, Livid Amaranth, Yarbuzin Hashotin)
This annual species produces an erect or semi-sprawling plant reaching between 1 and 3 feet tall. Leaves are green to purple. The species is considered a forage plant, and is consumed in many areas of the world.

Amaranthus californicus (California Amaranth, California Pigweed, Californian Amaranth)
This annual to short-lived perennial species is native to most of the western United States and parts of Canada, and is at home in moist flats situated near bodies of water. At maturity, it reaches just 4-20 inches in length and has a sprawling, creeping habit. Flowers bloom from summer through fall.

Amaranthus cannabinus (Salt Marsh Water Hemp, Salt Marsh Pigweed, Tidalmarsh Amaranth, Water-Hemp Pigweed)
This herbaceous perennial plant is found in most of the eastern United States and reaches between 3 and 9 feet tall. They are not commonly cultivated in gardens, and are considered wild.

Amaranthus caudatus (Love-Lies-Bleeding, Tassel Flower, Pendant Amaranth, Velvet Flower, Foxtail Amaranth, Quilete)
This species forms a sturdy, branching herbaceous plant that reaches up to 3-8 feet tall and 1.5-3 feet wide at maturity. These plants have large, light green leaves. Flowers are red, forming in clusters that can reach 2 feet long. Produces high-protein seeds/grain.

Amaranthus crassipes (Spreading Amaranth, Clubfoot Amaranth, Tropical Spreading Amaranth)
Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, the West Indies, and South America, this species grows to just 2 feet tall and has a spreading habit. It is mainly found in wet habitats or disturbed areas of soil. Flowers bloom in summer and fall. There are two subspecies: Amaranthus crassipes crassipes and Amaranthus crassipes warnockii.

Amaranthus cruentus (Mexican Grain Amaranth, Blood Amaranth, Red Amaranth, Prince's Feather, Purple Amaranth)
This tall annual species is cultivated as both a grain source and an ornamental plant, and reaches up to 6 feet tall when mature. Blooms pop in summer and fall. Leaves are usually green, sometimes purple or red.

Amaranthus dubius (Red Spinach, Chinese Spinach, Spleen Amaranth, Hon-Toi-Moi, Yin-Choy, Hsein Tsai, Arai Keerai, Callaloo)
Native to South America, Mexico, and the West Indies, this species has naturalized itself in many areas of the globe and is a food source for many people. It reaches between 2.5 and 4 feet tall and blooms throughout the year in temperate conditions.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Prince's Feather, Prince-of-Wales' Feather, Love-Lies-Bleeding, Tampala, Tassel Flower)
This species reaches 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity, and produces red to brownish-red flowers held in branched clusters. Some varieties are grown as a spinach substitute or for grain production. Varietals include 'Burgundy Amaranth' (a crop cultivar), 'Pygmy Torch' (a popular ornamental) and 'Green Thumb' (with bright lime-green foliage).

Amaranthus pumilis (Seaside Amaranth, Seabeach Amaranth, Coast Amaranth)
This threatened species of Amaranth is an annual and is native to the east coast of the United States. It is now gone from 2/3 its natural range due to habitat loss and human recreational activities. These plants have low, prostrate stems and leaves, and can stretch out to reach 3 feet wide. Flowers are insignificant, but the plant produces many seeds in July. Luckily, seeds can stay dormant for very long periods of time, giving this species a fighting chance to stay alive.

Amaranthus tricolor (Amaranthus gangeticus) (Joseph's Coat, Edible Amaranth, Bireum, Tampala, Tandaljo, Tandalja Bhaji, Summer Poinsettia, Chinese Spinach, Fountain Plant)
Native to southeast Asia, this plant has a branching habit and reaches between 1-4 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide. Leaves are blotched with shades of red and green. Green-leaved strains are commonly used as spinach substitutes. Popularly grown varieties are listed and described below.

'Early Splendor'

'Flaming Fountain'

'Molten Fire'

'Perfecta'

Caring for Amaranthus

Although this multi-purpose plant is a fantastic addition to gardens, there are some species which have been identified as invasive in the United States and Canada: A. albus, A. blitoides, A. hybridus, A. palmeri, A. powellii, A. retroflexus, A. spinosus, A. tubercuatus, and A. viridis. These select species should be avoided when choosing plants for a garden in these areas. Amaranth is sometimes difficult to find in garden centers; the seeds are more widely available than transplants. Ideally, Amaranth plants appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms and seed production. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Amaranth plants should be watered regularly to keep soil from drying out. This will ensure a strong crop of both leaves as well as seeds. Avoid overwatering.

Amaranth plants do not need to be fertilized, as long as they are provided with a healthy amount of compost in the soil when they are planted. They do not need much pruning, either, as even the dried flower stems provide interest and color to landscapes. Because of their tall flower spikes, these plants may need to be staked to avoid them flopping over under their own weight. Amaranth plants are considered short-lived perennials or annuals, and will live for a season or two in the landscape before needing to be replaced. After harvesting, plant parts can be composted.

How to Harvest Amaranth
Both the leaves and seeds of the Amaranth plant can be harvested for consumption. Leaves can be harvested at any time, though they are more palatable if harvested before the plant flowers; the youngest leaves are more tender and the older more developed leaves are more flavorful. The leaves can be used like spinach, for salads or soups. Seeds are typically ready for harvest between To harvest the seeds of the Amaranth plant, the plant needs to be allowed to come to flower. Allow the flowers to stay on the plant, providing good amounts of water until the first flowers begin to brown. At this time, cut the entire spike off the plant and hang it upside down in a cool, dry place, or place them in paper bags. Let the entire flower spike dry before harvesting. Beat the flowers inside of a bag to release the grain, and then separate them from the flower petals using water. The seed-grain can then be used either boiled or popped. To boil, combine 1 cup of Amaranth seeds with 2.5 cups of water (or three cups for a more porridge-like consistency), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and let simmer for about 20 minutes. It can be eaten like Quinoa or Buckwheat. To pop the Amaranth seeds, preheat a pot or skillet over high heat until it is very hot. then, add the seeds 1-2 tablespoons at a time (if you add them all at once, they are more likely to burn). Once most of the seeds have popped, remove them from the heat and serve. You can eat them plain, or serve them with milk and fruit for a harvest-style breakfast.

Amaranth plants are also be harvested for their flowers, which add drama and color to dried and fresh arrangements. To extend the growing season in cooler areas, start seeds indoors between 4 and 6 weeks before the last frost date of the area. Transplant out seedlings once all danger of frost has passed. Amaranth seeds can also be direct-sown once the last frost of the year has passed by. When growing Amaranth as members of cut flower gardens, keep in mind that they may need staking or netting to remain upright. Amaranth flowers take between 75 and 90 days to mature depending on growing conditions, and should be spaced about a foot apart for best coverage and airflow. Harvest when flower tassels begin to elongate by making a cut with clean, sharp shears close to the base of the stem. Remove most of the foliage and drop the stem in a bucket of cool water. Amaranth flowers have a vase life of between 7 and 10 days.

Amaranth porridge with berries and cream.

A cooked bowl of Amaranth grain.

Propagation

Propagation of Amaranth plants is typically accomplished using seed. To complete this method, you'll need well-draining soil, a pot or seed tray, and a spray bottle filled with water. Once you've gathered your materials, follow the directions below:

Allow the flowers to stay on the plant, providing moderate amounts of water until the first flowers begin to brown. At this time, cut the entire spike off the plant and hang it upside down in a cool, dry place, or place them in paper bags. Let the entire flower spike dry before harvesting. Beat the flowers inside of a bag to release the grain, and then separate them from the flower petals using water.
About 6-8 weeks before the last frost of your area will pass, prepare your pots or trays with well-draining potting soil. Place your Amaranth seeds on top of the soil, and cover with between a half inch and an inch more of potting soil. Water your seeds using the spray bottle, being careful not to uncover them. Place your pot or tray in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and stays around a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should begin to see your seeds sprout in around a week. Once they have sprouted and grown a few inches tall, they should be spaced about 8 inches apart. Continue to provide water until the last frost of your area has passed, and then transplant your seedlings to their designated spot in the garden.