Amaranth is a vibrant, ancient plant that has nourished civilizations for millennia while adding beauty to gardens with its striking foliage and feathery flower heads. Known for its nutritional seeds, edible leaves, and resilience, amaranth is a versatile crop with a rich history and a place in modern gardens. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating past of amaranth and provide a practical guide to growing it at home.
The History of Amaranth
Amaranth’s story begins thousands of years ago in the Americas, where it was a cornerstone of Mesoamerican agriculture. Archaeological evidence suggests that amaranth (genus Amaranthus) was domesticated as early as 6,000–8,000 years ago in regions that are now Mexico and South America. The Aztecs, Maya, and Inca cultivated amaranth alongside maize and beans, valuing it as a staple crop. The seeds were ground into flour, popped like popcorn, or mixed with honey to form cakes called zoale, often used in religious ceremonies.
For the Aztecs, amaranth held spiritual significance. It was associated with rituals, including offerings to deities, which drew the attention of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Viewing these practices as pagan, the Spanish banned amaranth cultivation, attempting to eradicate its use. However, amaranth’s resilience mirrored that of the indigenous peoples who grew it. The plant survived in remote areas, its seeds carried and sown in secret, preserving its legacy.
Amaranth’s global journey began as European explorers brought it back to the Old World, where it initially gained popularity as an ornamental plant due to its vivid colors—reds, purples, and golds. By the 17th century, it was cultivated in Europe, Africa, and Asia, often under names like “love-lies-bleeding” or “prince’s feather.” In India, amaranth (known as rajgira) became a fasting food, valued for its gluten-free seeds. In Africa, its leaves became a staple green vegetable.
In the 20th century, amaranth experienced a revival as scientists rediscovered its nutritional prowess. The seeds are rich in protein (13–14%), lysine (an essential amino acid rare in grains), and minerals like calcium and iron. The leaves are packed with vitamins A and C. In the 1970s, the Rodale Institute and other organizations championed amaranth as a crop to combat malnutrition, leading to its inclusion in modern diets as a gluten-free grain and superfood.
Today, amaranth is grown worldwide, from small backyard gardens to commercial farms. Its ability to thrive in diverse climates and poor soils makes it a symbol of resilience and sustainability, connecting us to ancient traditions while addressing modern needs.
How to Grow Amaranth
Growing amaranth is rewarding for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and dual-purpose nature (seeds and leaves) make it an excellent addition to any garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cultivating amaranth at home.
1. Choose the Right Variety
Two of our favorite varieties are Big Burgundy and Love-Lies-Bleeding you can read more about them at the links below ⬇️
https://kidseedco.com/products/amaranth?_pos=1&_sid=3e762fe02&_ss=r
https://kidseedco.com/products/amaranth-love-lies-bleeding?_pos=2&_sid=3e762fe02&_ss=r
2. Select a Planting Site
Amaranth thrives in:
• Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Well-drained soil: It tolerates poor, sandy, or clay soils but prefers loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Warm climates: Amaranth is frost-sensitive and needs soil temperatures above 60°F (15°C) to germinate.
3. Planting Amaranth
• Timing: Sow seeds after the last frost, typically in late spring or early summer (May–June in most regions). In tropical climates, amaranth can be grown year-round.
• Method:
1. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing weeds. Add compost for nutrient-poor soils.
2. Sow seeds directly 1/8–1/4 inch deep, spacing them 2–3 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. (You’ll thin seedlings later.)
3. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings when they’re 3–4 inches tall.
• Germination: Seeds sprout in 7–14 days with consistent moisture. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Care and Maintenance
• Thinning: Once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, thin to 6–18 inches apart, depending on the variety (closer for leaf types, wider for grain types). Use thinnings as microgreens.
• Watering: Water regularly until plants are established, then reduce frequency. Amaranth is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Amaranth doesn’t need heavy feeding. A balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) applied once mid-season is sufficient for poor soils.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free early on, as young plants compete poorly. Mature amaranth’s height (3–8 feet) often shades out weeds.
• Pests and Diseases: Amaranth is relatively pest-resistant but watch for aphids or leaf-eating caterpillars. Use neem oil or hand-pick pests. Root rot can occur in waterlogged soils, so ensure good drainage.
5. Harvesting
• Leaves: Harvest young leaves (4–6 inches long) 30–50 days after planting for salads or cooking. Cut outer leaves to encourage regrowth, similar to spinach.
• Seeds: Grain amaranth matures in 90–150 days. Harvest when flower heads dry and seeds rub off easily (they’re hard and shiny). Cut heads, dry them in a well-ventilated area, and thresh by rubbing over a screen. Winnow to remove chaff.
• Storage: Store seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Leaves are best used fresh but can be frozen or dried.
6. Tips for Success
• Companion Planting: Grow amaranth with corn, beans, or squash (the “Three Sisters” method) to maximize space and soil health.
• Crop Rotation: Rotate amaranth with legumes or brassicas to prevent soil depletion.
• Saving Seeds: Amaranth self-seeds easily. Collect seeds from the healthiest plants to sow next season, but beware of cross-pollination between varieties.
• Ornamental Use: Plant taller varieties at the back of borders or as a focal point in mixed beds for visual impact.
Why Grow Amaranth?
Amaranth is more than a crop—it’s a link to ancient cultures, a nutritional powerhouse, and a low-maintenance garden star. Its seeds can be cooked as a porridge, popped, or ground into flour for baking. The leaves add flavor to stir-fries, soups, or smoothies. Plus, its vibrant hues elevate any landscape.
Whether you’re a history buff fascinated by its Aztec roots or a gardener seeking a resilient, multi-purpose plant, amaranth delivers. Try growing it this season, and you’ll discover why this ancient grain has endured for millennia.
Our Kids Seed Co. amaranth has been a customer-favorite for many years and we hope you enjoy!