How To Plant Amaranth Seeds

Plant from mid spring to early summer by sowing seeds barely covered with soil in uniform rows. Keep soil moist until the seedlings sprout. Weed by hand until the plants are 4 inches (10 cm) tall, gradually thinning plants to 18 inches (46 cm) apart. As the plants grow, they will shade out most summer weeds.

Is amaranth easy to grow from seed?

Amaranth are very easy to grow. They prefer a warm climate, full sun, and a well drained soil. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week.

How long does it take to grow amaranth?

If you are eager for early harvest, you can start the seeds indoors as much as eight weeks earlier. If you want to harvest the plants for seeds, it will take about 12 weeks for the plants to reach full maturity. Leaves can be harvested within a few weeks of outdoor planting.

How long does it take amaranth seeds to germinate?

Growing Amaranth Greens Provided temperatures are around 70˚F, amaranth seeds usually germinate within a week. As soon as they do, give them lots of light to prevent weak, leggy growth. Once your seedlings are about three inches tall and have roots protruding from the rockwool cube, they’re ready to transplant.

Can I grow amaranth in pots?

Scatter the soil with seeds into the pot and spread it evenly, then water it in the same way or spray it with a sprayer. Cover the pot with plastic wrap. Place the pot on a windowsill. Amaranthus is a light-loving and heat-loving plant, so a windowsill is an ideal place to grow it.

Can I grow amaranth in my garden?

How to Plant Amaranth. Amaranth plants grow well in average to rich, well-draining soil with equal amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. Like many vegetable crops, they need at least five hours of sunlight a day to do well. While they grows best in moist but well drained soil, they will tolerate somewhat dry soil too.

When should I plant amaranth seeds?

Plant from mid spring to early summer by sowing seeds barely covered with soil in uniform rows. Keep soil moist until the seedlings sprout. Weed by hand until the plants are 4 inches (10 cm) tall, gradually thinning plants to 18 inches (46 cm) apart. As the plants grow, they will shade out most summer weeds.

Is amaranth poisonous to humans?

Avoid eating too much amaranth from agricultural fields. The leaves (like those of spinach, sorrel and many other greens) also contain oxalic acid, which can be poisonous to livestock or to humans with kidney issues of eaten in large amounts.

Is amaranth poisonous to dogs?

The leaves, stems, and roots of the amaranth plant are all toxic to dogs. If you think your dog ate the leaves or other parts of the plant, rinse out their mouth with water and contact your vet immediately.

Can you sprout amaranth?

Pour cool water over the seeds, and soak them in the container for two hours. Most seeds require longer soaking times, but amaranth seeds are so small that a couple of hours is adequate to prepare them for the sprouting process. The amaranth sprouts will be ready about eight hours after the final drain and rinse.

Should I soak amaranth seeds before planting?

You don’t really even need to Soak Amaranth, but it speeds it up a little to do so. It will appear to be water repellant, but it will actually take in water. Sprouting Empty the seeds into your Sprouter (if necessary).

Can I direct sow amaranth?

Amaranth is easy to start from seed, and is best grown when direct sowed into your flower garden. If you want to get a “jump start” on the growing season, you may choose to start the seeds indoors for transplanting later. Amaranth prefers warm climates, and needs full sun.

Should you pinch amaranthus?

Pinching amaranthus at about 6” will allow for it to produce multiple smaller flowerheads that are better incorporated into designs and bouquets, with stems more like pencil-thickness as opposed to broomstick-thickness. You will also have far more flower heads as well, giving you an even larger harvest from each plant.

Can I start amaranth indoors?

Sowing seed indoors: Sow amaranthus seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow thinly and evenly and cover with fine seed starting formula. Maintain at a temperature around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do birds eat amaranth seeds?

Amaranth, a grain native to Central and South America, has found a home in the garden as well. Beautiful as they are, millet and amaranth have the added benefit of attracting a variety of seed-eating birds. Fresh millet seed heads can be harvested and used to make an attractive bird feeder.

What can you plant with amaranth?

Amaranth, also known as pigweed is another great dynamic accumulator. It grows well with corn, onions, pepper and eggplant. It helps tomatoes to be more resistant to harmful insects and also helps potatoes yield more abundantly. It also helps loosen soil for root vegetables such as beets, carrots and radishes.

Can I eat amaranth leaves?

Fresh, tender leaves and shoots of Amaranth can be eaten raw in salads or as juice. In the mainland of China, Amaranth is known as yin-tsai. It is used in various soups and stir-fries.

Can you eat amaranth flowers?

Above: Amaranths are nutritious, stuffed with vitamins, folic acid (vitamin B9), minerals, and protein. The plant is edible from tender stems through leaves, flowers and seeds.

Does amaranth need support?

Amaranthus – Key Growing Information SOWING: Support may be necessary. Direct seed: After last frost, sow thinly, barely covering the seed. When seedlings have first true leaves, thin to 12-15″ apart. SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Well-drained soil.