Amaranth plants are a group of flowering plants in the amaranth family. They are annual or perennial herbs with a wide range of growth habits, from prostrate to upright, and from low-growing to tall. The leaves are typically alternate, simple, and often lobed or toothed. The flowers are small and come in a variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, and purple. Amaranth plants are grown for their edible seed, oil, and leaves. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The seeds are high in protein and can be ground into flour or popped like popcorn. The oil from the seeds is often used in cooking and cosmetics.
Planning Your Garden With Amaranth
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Amaranth is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Amaranth is not listed in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. It is generally considered to be an annual plant, meaning it will not survive the winter in most climates. |
| Cold Tolerance | Amaranth is generally considered to be cold tolerant, with some varieties able to tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C). |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for amaranth is 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown amaranth plant is between 3 and 6 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Amaranth is a fast-growing crop that does best when planted in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Amaranth is a moderately sun-tolerant plant, typically preferring full sun to light shade. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may not produce as much foliage or as many flowers. |
| Shade tolerance | Amaranth is a moderately shade tolerant plant. It can tolerate partial shade but will produce better yields in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Amaranth prefers a moist soil, but not waterlogged. It should be watered regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amaranth is a warm season crop and does best in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing amaranth will depend on the soil type and fertility. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing amaranth is 6.0-7.0. |
Why Amaranth is Popular
People like to grow amaranth for a variety of reasons. It is easy to grow, is highly nutritious, and is a beautiful ornamental plant. Amaranth is also a great addition to any garden as it is drought tolerant and can be grown in many different climates. Additionally, amaranth is a great source of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals, making it a popular choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diet.
Companion Plants For Amaranth
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for amaranth include:
Common Pests For Amaranth
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow amaranth, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- aphids
- thrips
- leafhoppers
- cutworms
- whiteflies
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
