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
  • Amaranth flowers
  • Amaranth seedling (CC BY-SA 3.0 Bruce Ackley, Ohio State University)

Amaranth species are frequently grown as flower plants and have many colour variations.

Amaranth tricolor is known as Chinese spinach and has an insignificant flower.

Needs a warm sunny position. Avoid heavy soils. Poor germination rates are common.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Amaranth

Both leaves and seeds can be used. Excessive intake is not recommended.
Suggestions for use and warnings can be found here http://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
06 Aug 19, Helen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, can you please tell me is this amaranthus plant you are talking about an eatable vegetable. In hindi the call it thotakura and the use it in chutneys and curry as a green leaf veg... So I would if you can advise me, Kind regards Helen.
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06 Aug 19, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You might find the information you want here https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Amaranth
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07 Aug 19, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
And take notice of the last words highlighted in pink colour. Suggested use and warnings found at Wikipedia/ - go there and read about it.
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30 Oct 17, jan De vries (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am looking to purchase several long lengths of green amaranthus - is this possible
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05 Jan 11, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
This is a message for Mike who wants to change his zone - you didn't include yr email address - Scroll to the end of your reminder email and click on the change details tab - You can change zone there.
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Is Amaranth perennial in Cleveland, Ohio/

- Diane

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