Growing Amaranth, also Love-lies-bleeding

Amaranthus caudatus : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

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

(Best months for growing Amaranth in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, corn, peppers, egg plant, tomatoes
  • Amaranth flowers
  • Amaranth seedling (CC BY-SA 3.0 Bruce Ackley, Ohio State University)

Amaranth species are frequently grown as flower plants and have many colour variations.

Amaranth tricolor is known as Chinese spinach and has an insignificant flower.

Needs a warm sunny position. Avoid heavy soils. Poor germination rates are common.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Amaranth

Both leaves and seeds can be used. Excessive intake is not recommended.
Suggestions for use and warnings can be found here http://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
13 Sep 19, Annieta (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
For the people who asked where you can get Amaranth seeds I bought from Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre
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07 Feb 17, Derek Wright (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Anywhere in SA that I can buy Amaranthus seeds, red and green
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08 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I would check the internet. there are a lot of seed companies that have alternative, heritage and less common seeds. You may also get them from a community garden or permaculture group. One seed supplier in SA is www.organicseeds.co.za but there a a number of other suppliers listing them on the internet. Trust this helps.
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28 Aug 15, Janita (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Where can I buy amaranthus seeds - the red, green and pink? Thank you
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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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For the people who asked where you can get Amaranth seeds I bought from Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre

- Annieta

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