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

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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
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02 Dec 13, caryl (Australia - temperate climate)
where can i buy amaranth seeds or seedlings,i live on morning ton peninsular,vic ,australia
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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
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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.
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14 Dec 13, Rachael (Australia - arid climate)
You can buy them of ebay or seeds2freedom have a great selection too.
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04 Oct 13, Sharon (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to get Amaranth seeds? I live in east suburb of Melbourne.
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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!
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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.
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20 Mar 12, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
When do I harvest amaranth and how
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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.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 94 comments
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you don't NEED seed raising mix (if fact you don't NEED it for almost anything). Buying stuff like that is completely unnecessary. Just plant in reasonably fine, moist soil, even just scatter it over the top after raking and water. THe seeds are fine but should germinate really well.. we are currently weeding all of the excess amaranth.

- Adrian

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