How to Grow Amaranth Flowers

About Growing Amaranth Flower Plants

Annual Amaranth flowers are an easy-to-grow flowering plant. Even first-time gardeners will find growing Amaranth is both easy and rewarding. If you are looking for dried flowers, you’ve come to the right plant. Amaranth flowers keep their color after they are dried. They make perfect dried flower arrangements. That’s why the ancient Greeks named this plant for the Greek word for “unfading”.

The amaranth family includes flowers, herbs, and weeds. Some varieties are grown and harvested for food. The seeds of the “Grain Amaranth” were harvested by Aztec and Inca tribes in Central and South America. In Asia and South, America Amaranth is cultivated as a grain crop. In the U.S., it can be found in health food stores.

Their bright, long-lasting flowers will attract butterflies.

Did You Know? Amaranth seeds are edible. In Asia and South America, they are used as a grain crop. Also, the seeds can be popped like popcorn. More on Edible Flowers

Flower colors include: Amaranths come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, lavender, and white.

Most Popular Varieties: Autumn’s Touch, Copperhead, Green Thumb, Joseph’s Coat, Molten Fire, Red Amaranth, Tri-color Perfecta

Plant height: Most common flower varieties grow 1′-2′ tall. Some bush varieties will grow up to 4′-6′.

Plant Blooms: Summer through Fall.

Other Names: Love Lies Bleeding

Annual, Amaranthaceae

Amaranth Plant Propagation

Amaranth plants are grown from seed. Directly sow Amaranth seeds into your flower garden, or start indoors for transplanting later.

Important: Amaranth plants are susceptible to frost. Amaranth prefers warm weather. If planting outdoors, sow Amaranth seeds after the soil has begun to warm in the spring.

We recommend an indoor start, six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area.

Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Space seeds or seedlings 10-12″ apart. They will tolerate a little crowding, and look good in clumps or groups.

Did you Know? A single mature bush can produce 40,000-60,000 Amaranth seeds!

Seed Germination: 3 – 15 days

How to Grow Amaranth Flower Plants

Growing Amaranth is very easy.

Originating in warmer climates, Amaranth is heat and drought-resistant.

The plants grow best in full sun. However, the plants tolerate partial shade.

Amaranth does well in average, but well-drained soil. Mix in some compost at planting time.

Water the plants once or twice per week during dry periods. Allow the top of the soil to dry out between watering.

Add a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

Apply a generous layer of mulch around the plants for a neat appearance. Mulch will also keep the weeds down and help retain soil moisture.

Amaranth will grow tall, 1-2 feet. They will produce blooms on strong, straight stems. Flowers are long-lasting and will bloom from midsummer until frost.

For dried flower arrangements, pick mature blooms and allow them to dry in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. The dried flowers will retain their color and will brighten up a room all winter long.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5.

Also, See:

Plant Problems – causes and cures

Insects and Plant Disease

Amaranth is resistant to insects and disease. Mildew problems may occur in warm, humid weather. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.