How to Grow Amaranth
Amaranthus
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced feed at planting. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Dual-purpose — edible leaves and grain. Dramatic ornamental plants. Love's-lies-bleeding is the most popular ornamental type.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 120 cm |
| Mature spread | 45 cm |
Amaranth can be grown for both leaves and grain. For mixed use and medium to tall varieties, 30 cm between plants and 45 cm between rows gives good airflow and support while still achieving a full canopy. Leaf-only crops or smaller varieties can be planted a little closer, while very tall grain types can be spaced up to 60 cm in-row and between rows.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Balanced feed at planting. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Watch for
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- Aphids
- Flea beetle
- Slugs on seedlings
Pests & Diseases
Pest Flea Beetle
Identification: Tiny round holes shot through leaves, small shiny beetles that jump when disturbed
- Cover seedlings with fine mesh or fleece from sowing
- Water regularly to keep plants growing strongly through damage
- Sticky traps placed near plants
- Pyrethrin-based sprays as a last resort
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on shoot tips and undersides of young leaves, sticky honeydew
- Strong jet of water to dislodge
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies
- Insecticidal soap spray
- Fatty acid sprays
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails visible on soil and foliage, worst damage overnight
- Beer traps sunk into the soil
- Copper tape around pots
- Evening hand-picking
- Nematode biological control (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita)
- Ferric phosphate slug pellets
Disease Damping Off Pythium spp. / Rhizoctonia solani
Symptoms: Seedlings collapse at soil level, stems become thin and water-soaked, patches of seedlings fail
Treatment: Remove affected seedlings immediately, improve ventilation
Prevention: Use clean compost, avoid overwatering, sow thinly, ensure good air circulation
Disease Stem Rot
Symptoms: Dark, water-soaked lesions at the base of stems, wilting and collapse of mature plants
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants, avoid replanting in the same spot
Prevention: Ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, space plants for airflow
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Amaranth?
- Plant Amaranth 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Amaranth?
- Amaranth is ready to harvest approximately 35 days after transplanting.
- Is Amaranth frost hardy?
- Amaranth is classified as Tender.
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