Add a splash of rustic charm and powerhouse nutrition to your garden!
With its deep burgundy leaves and ancient heritage, Amaranth Red is more than just a pretty face—it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed companion that brings joy from seed to harvest. Whether you’re snipping tender microgreens or letting it grow tall and stately, this beauty adds bold color and earthy flavor to your garden patch.
Variety: Amaranth Red (Amaranthus cruentus)
Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual
Height: 4–6 feet tall
Flavor Profile: Mild, earthy, slightly nutty
Color: Deep red to burgundy leaves and stems
Planting Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Microgreens in 10–14 days; full-size leaves in 45–60 days; seeds in 90–120 days
Uses: Microgreens, leafy greens, ornamental foliage, seed harvest for flour or grain
Fun Fact: Once sacred to the Aztecs, amaranth is still celebrated for its high-protein seeds and iron-rich leaves—plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with vitamins A and C!
Amaranth Red is a triple-threat for gardeners who love versatility and flair. Grow it for vibrant microgreens that add a pop of color and nutrition to your dishes, harvest the tender leaves for smoothies or sautés, or let it reach full height for a dramatic, ornamental statement. Its rich burgundy foliage looks stunning in garden beds and containers, and its nutty seeds are a bonus for the adventurous home cook. Whether you're blending, snipping, or simply admiring, this plant brings beauty and bounty to every corner of your garden.
To Full Size
🌞 Sunshine, Please: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
🌱 Sow Smart: Direct sow after the last frost or start indoors 4–6 weeks early. Plant ¼ inch deep, spacing 10–12 inches apart.
💧 Keep It Moist: Water consistently during germination and dry spells.
🌾 Thin and Mulch: Thin seedlings for airflow and mulch to retain moisture.
✂️ Harvest Time: Snip young leaves as needed. For seeds, let flower heads dry on the plant before collecting.
For Microgreens
🌱 Tray Prep: Use a shallow tray with drainage and fill with seed-starting mix or coco coir.
🌾 Sow Generously: Scatter 15–20 grams of seed per 10"x20" tray. No need to cover with soil.
💧 Mist & Cover: Mist lightly and cover to create a dark, humid environment.
🌞 Sprout & Shine: Keep in the dark for 3 days, then move to light and begin bottom watering.
✂️ Micro-Harvest: Snip when greens are 2–3 inches tall (around day 10–14). Store in the fridge and enjoy within a week.