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.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Aug 19, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You might find the information you want here https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Amaranth
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Oct 17, jan De vries (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am looking to purchase several long lengths of green amaranthus - is this possible
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

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.