Growing Amaranth, also Love-lies-bleeding

Amaranthus caudatus : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Amaranth in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed

September: Sow after frost

  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 64°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, corn, peppers, egg plant, tomatoes

Your comments and tips

02 Nov 10, Marianne (Australia - temperate climate)
As amaranth has 18% protein, why does one of the biggest pesticide companies in the world rate it on top of their list of weeds ??
27 Feb 11, Joe (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Have you ever watched landline on the ABC midday on sunday's. Some programs have explained the correlation of weedicides and Plant variety rights. So be cynical and all will be clear.
05 Nov 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Probably because it can out-compete other plants. If you're trying to grow maize you might not want a field of amaranth taking over instead..
24 Jan 10, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Garry, Young amaranth leaves are edible and very nutritious! Used a lot in Asia as young leaves in salad, or steamed greens. It contains oxalic acid, so best not to eat raw in large quantities, but no problem if cooked in water for 2 minutes and discard the water
14 Jan 10, Garry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can someone tell me if this is an edible plant ?I have heard the name before but no little about it.I love growing and eating the unusual.
25 Dec 09, Mei (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought seeds from Diggers Club - details for Diggers Club can be found in gardening magazines e. g. Gardening Australia
18 Apr 16, Christine (Australia - arid climate)
My amaranth has seeds growing on main stem and around stem with no top flowers or seeds. Like feathers as I've seen in pictures. Is this an edible seed?
20 Apr 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, amaranth seed is edible
16 Dec 09, Bronwyn Millford (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Country Romsey, Vic and have these plants just coming up..again,.,,have had them for years since my mother gave thenm too me..they are just gorgeous..i give the seedlings away each year to friends and they all love them
04 Sep 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
eden seeds has leaf & grain amaranth
Showing 81 - 90 of 94 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Amaranth

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.