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

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
02 Dec 13, caryl (Australia - temperate climate)
where can i buy amaranth seeds or seedlings,i live on morning ton peninsular,vic ,australia
07 Feb 15, Andrew Page-Robertson (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought seeds from Masters in Mornington, the range is called "A taste of the Americas' and its sold as AMARANTHUS Calaloo red leaf, brand Johnsons
24 Jan 14, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Digger's Club also has seeds. I have the Red Amaranth from them growing well and ready to start harvesting at the moment.
14 Dec 13, Rachael (Australia - arid climate)
You can buy them of ebay or seeds2freedom have a great selection too.
04 Oct 13, Sharon (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to get Amaranth seeds? I live in east suburb of Melbourne.
28 Mar 12, wotan (Australia - temperate climate)
I saved aAmaranth seed by shaking, sifting, and and blowing the chaff of th seeds. Now I have insect bites under my shirt and sleeve areas that develop after 24 hours and itch for a 1 week and produce mite like blisters. This happened both times I have done this. Any ideas what insect it might be?? Thanks!
19 Aug 12, Nikki (Australia - temperate climate)
Probably not insects. I get a rash when harvesting dried plant material, eg jerusalem artichokes. Make sure you cover up and maybe put a cream on before you start and shower afterwards.
20 Mar 12, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
When do I harvest amaranth and how
02 May 22, Jane (Australia - tropical climate)
I find placing a bag over the heads once formed and gripping it closed is effective. Shake rattle n roll then check. Repeat until you're satisfied with you collection. Pop inside, gently ease into container or a jug. Then tip into a fine mesh colander, and hand-sort any rubbish (stick that into your mulch bin or whatever).Shake it around until yr satisfied. I keep my amaranth seeds in zip-top bags. Easy to sprinkle or sow. I thought the bag might sweat. It didn't. I put it in the pantry away from light.
Showing 51 - 60 of 94 comments

We have some amaranth seeds from the company The Lost Seed, based in Tasmania. 03 6239 9185 www.thelostseed.com.au [email protected]

- Michelle

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.