How to Grow and Care for Amaranth Flower

Annual, Amaranthaceae

Amaranth are an easy to grow annual flowering plant. If you are looking for dried flowers, you've come to the right plant. Amaranth flowers keep their color after they are dried. They make perfect dried flower arrangements. That's why the ancient Greeks named this plant for the Greek word for "unfading".

The amaranth family includes flowers, herbs, and weeds. Some varieties are grown and harvested for food. The seeds of the  "Grain Amaranth" were harvested by Aztec and Inca tribes in Central and South America. In Asia and South America Amaranth is cultivated as a grain crop. In the U.S., it can be found in health food stores.

Amaranths come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, lavender, and white. Most common flower varieties grow 1'-2' tall.  Some bush varieties will grow up to 4'-6'. Their bright, long lasting flowers will attract butterflies.

Did You Know? Amaranth seeds are edible. In Asia and South America, they are used as a grain crop. They can also be popped like popcorn. More on Edible Flowers

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Plant Propagation:

Amaranth plants are grown from seed. Directly sow Amaranth seeds into your flower garden, or start indoors for transplanting later.  

Important: Amaranth plants are susceptible to frost. Amaranth prefers warm weather. If planting outdoors, sow Amaranth seeds after the soil has begun to warm in the spring.

We recommend an indoor start, six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area.

Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Space seeds or seedlings 10-12" apart. They will tolerate a little crowding, and look good in clumps or groups.

Did you Know? A single mature Amaranth bush can produce 40,000-60,000 seeds!

Seed Germination: 3 - 15 days

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How to Grow Amaranth Plants:

Growing Amaranth is very easy. The plants prefer a warm climate,  full sun, and a well drained soil. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

Originating in warmer climates, Amaranth is heat and drought resistant.

Amaranth will grow tall, 1-2 feet. They will produce of blooms on strong, straight stems. Flowers are long lasting, and will bloom from mid summer until frost.

For dried flower arrangements, pick mature blooms and allow to dry in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. The dried flowers will retain their color and will brighten up a room all winter long.

Plant Height: up to 4 feet.

Plant Blooms: Summer through Fall.

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Insect and Disease:

Amaranth are resistant to insects and disease.  Mildew problems may occur in warm, humid weather. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

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