Growing Amaranth, also Love-lies-bleeding

Amaranthus caudatus : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

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

(Best months for growing Amaranth in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

Your comments and tips

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.
02 Feb 12, Santie Adendorff (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
What is the difference between marogo and spinach? What is the scientific name for marogo?
03 Feb 12, (Australia - arid climate)
It is Amaranthus
13 Apr 11, Diana~Adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
You will see that the seeds on the flower turn black which means that it is ready to harvest. Or you can shake the flower while holding a container and the mature seeds will drop.
14 Mar 11, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
When should I harvest amaranth seeds? And what do I do with them if I want to use them? Anyone?
27 May 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Amanda, we use it like we cook our green with a litte oil onions mustard and tomatoes. You can also add some vegetable masala (you get them in the indian or asian grocery) and then add salt to taste. Its a healthy veg.
Showing 31 - 40 of 68 comments

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