Growing Amaranth, also Love-lies-bleeding

Amaranthus caudatus : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • 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

Your comments and tips

21 Mar 15, Mel Murphy (Australia - temperate climate)
I wish to grow amaranth for seed production and I want to know if there is a variety that does not grow much taller than 1 metre. Please let me know by email. Thank you
21 Dec 14, parvi (Australia - temperate climate)
What sort of soil and fertiliser is best for Amaranthus, Kind Regards Parvi
07 May 14, Georgina (Australia - temperate climate)
I was given a red amaranth plant in a pot. Should i keep it in the pot until september or would it be okay to plant now? Also have bunching onions, garden mint and green basil. was hoping to put them all in the same planter box. ?
16 May 14, Damien (Australia - temperate climate)
Amaranth is best sown into the spot it will grow and left alone. If it is in a pot, you can just leave it and it will flower and seed for you to collect more seeds when the flowers dry out and then you can plant more wherever you like the next time you sow :) Beautiful plant with very striking colours.
17 Jun 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I grew Amaranth (love lies bleeding) last year and it is an amazing, diverse plant.I did notice at onepoint, small, black bees were attracted to the amaranth. They might have been native bees. I know zilch about and had never tried seed saving, however, I put a bag over the amaranth flower heads, gave them a few good shakes and this year sowed some of the amaranth seeds. I'm thrilled that the seeds are now seedlings - some of which I have planted (at one part of) on the Western fence of my vege garden where they seem to dowell.I am going to plant more along the Southern fence of a vege garden in another area that may get a little more shade and see how they do. The leaves are somewhat bitter compared to many other leafy greens but versatile and delish! May not be suitable for some health conditions so just check. Yum. And pretty! Mine grew to about 4.5 high although I believe they can tower.Similarly, Giant Chicory?
21 May 14, Georgina (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you
02 Apr 14, Daphne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow amaranth with a matured branch, leaving in water for few days. Will they develop roots so that I can plant them?? If not, I can buy a bunch from Chinese vegetable shop. They do not have picketed seeds. If not, Where can I get the seeds??
01 Aug 16, geoff ebbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a small amount of seed from the locsl seedsaver network and a healthy six plants which will produce more. Happy to send seeds through mail. [email protected]
02 Sep 15, Susannah Oldfield (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Eden Seeds for any of your seeds in Australia. They are non-hybrid & organic too.
10 Feb 14, Diane Nighitngale (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
hi, I'm wondering if it is possible to sow amaranthus seeds now (Feb) I live in Durban and have a very warm winter. Many thanks
Showing 41 - 50 of 93 comments

Amaranth is best sown into the spot it will grow and left alone. If it is in a pot, you can just leave it and it will flower and seed for you to collect more seeds when the flowers dry out and then you can plant more wherever you like the next time you sow :) Beautiful plant with very striking colours.

- Damien

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