Growing Red Amaranth: Essential Advice and Methods
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Are you dreaming of the powerful nutritional punch an Amaranth plant can provide? Look no further, as we unveil the secrets to cultivating red amaranth, a phenomenal member of the Amaranthaceae family.
In this extensive guide, we will disclose the ins and outs of making this Amaranthus genus flower an essential component of your garden, providing both health benefits and bold colors.
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- What is red amaranth?
- How to grow
- Outdoor cultivation
- Container planting
- Harvest schedule
- Uses
What is red amaranth?
Red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) is a perennial herb native to Central and South America. Often grown worldwide for its edible leaves and grain, this plant belongs to the list of Chinese spinach varieties and is coveted for its nutrition-packed benefits.
Archaeological findings suggest that amaranth species were grown as grain crops for about 8,000 years[1].
This robust plant can grow unbelievably tall, reaching well over 6 feet (1.8 meters). As the name suggests, red amaranth boasts dark red or purple leaves and towering clusters of vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers. Its showy beauty, along with its rich nutritional content, makes it an ideal addition to any garden.
Showcasing versatility, red amaranth offers various uses. Learn more about what this extraordinary plant has to offer.
How to grow
Growing red amaranth is a hassle-free endeavor suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Keep in mind that, in its native range, amaranth thrives in warm climates; but with proper timing and preparation, it can make a stunning.
Outdoor cultivation
Amaranth typically takes at least 90 days to mature. For an early start on your garden crop, consider planting it indoors about six weeks in advance. Amaranth is frost intolerant, so be cautious about planting it too early, as young plants may die or bolt before maturing fully.
- Germination
Tiny seeds require no special treatment before planting, such as soaking, and can be sown in compostable seedling pots in a nutrient-rich potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and maintain indoor temperatures above 60 °F (15 °C). Seedlings should sprout within 10 to 14 days.
If you live in a mild climate with no threat of frost, you can sow the amaranth seeds directly in the garden. In all other cases, it's best to seed indoors and transfer them to your garden when daytime temperatures are consistently above 70 °F (21 °C). Give your seedlings a week to harden off by taking them outside for gradually longer periods each day before transplanting to the garden.
- Soil
Amaranth is unpretentious when it comes to soil, but prefers loamy, nutrient-rich, and well-draining soils. It can thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 8.0. Prior to sowing or transplanting, improve garden soil quality by incorporating plenty of compost and organic matter, especially for clay-heavy soil.
- Space
Given its tall stature, provide ample space between amaranth plants. Sow seeds 4 inches (10 cm) apart, then thin to 12 inches (30 cm) apart. For seedlings started indoors, space them the same distance apart before transplanting to the garden.
- Watering and fertilizer
Water the amaranth regularly but avoid overwatering. In the garden, the top inch of soil should feel dry to the touch before watering. Red amaranth has moderate water requirements and can tolerate a mild drought, but is susceptible to overwatering and may develop root rot and other fungal diseases. For containers, check soil moisture levels before watering and water only when necessary.
Once a month, apply a liquid fertilizer that's rich in nitrogen and phosphorus to boost growth. Tap water works well, but filtered or purified water can provide even better results.
Container planting
While red amaranth generally thrives best in the garden, you can successfully plant it in containers as well. Keep in mind its deep root system, requiring a container with plenty of space. A 10-gallon (38 liters) pot with drainage holes should suffice.
- Use the right soil mix
Fill the pot with a nutrient-rich soil mix, along with perlite or coir, for improved drainage. Sow the seeds straight into the container, or start them in seedling pots before transplanting once they have developed at least 2 sets of leaves. For container planting, maintain the same spacing as for ground cultivation.
For the best result, consider keeping two plants per pot for optimal growth, especially when cultivating amaranth for grain.
- Watering care
Take extra care when watering container-grown amaranth, as it's much easier to overwater in containers than in the ground. Check the moisture level of the soil before watering by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top inch feels dry.
- Size
Amaranth plants grown in containers tend to be smaller, typically reaching a maximum of 3 feet (90 cm) in height. These compact plants make eye-catching ornamental plants, offering a striking contrast with their burgundy leaves and vivid pink flowers.
Harvest schedule
Amaranth has multiple harvest stages, allowing you to collect leaves, stems, or seeds at different points in the growing season.
- Harvesting amaranth leaves and stems
Pick leaves and tender stems once the plant has reached 1 foot (30 cm) in height. Regularly pruning lateral stems encourages the plant to become bushier, and you can employ the cut-and-come-again method on the main plant by harvesting the top portion. Use a sharp knife to cut the stalk 10 inches (20 cm) above the ground, and use it immediately as needed. The amaranth will regrow, allowing for another harvest in about a month.
- Harvesting amaranth seeds
If you'd like to harvest amaranth seeds, you'll need to exercise patience. Allow the plant to bloom and wait until early autumn for the seeds to ripen. On average, it takes about 4 months from planting before the seeds are ready for harvest.
The seeds are ready to pick when flower heads are dry, and a light brown 'fluff' (the chaff) covers them[2]. The simplest way to harvest the seeds is in the afternoon on a dry day to prevent the chaff from sticking to the seeds.
Use gardening scissors to cut the entire flower head off the amaranth plant, and shake the flower head in a paper or plastic bag to release the seeds. Pour the seeds in a fine-mesh strainer to remove chaff and debris, and spread the seeds on paper towels or parchment paper to dry further in an airy room. Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing them for up to one year in airtight containers to prevent mold growth.
Uses
All parts of the red amaranth are edible, with uses spanning from leaves and stems to the seeds themselves. Enjoy the leaves and young stems like spinach throughout the summer, and cook the seeds as a gluten-free alternative to grains like wheat.
While both the leaves and seeds are nutritious, the seeds offer the most potent benefits, containing a wealth of protein, vitamins (including Vitamin C), minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and iron), and heart-healthy fats. Amaranth seeds help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and contribute to healthy bones.
You have the flexibility to use amaranth seeds in a variety of ways. Soak and cook them like oats to make hot cereal or use them to make pilaf, amaranth risotto, or even popcorn. If you have a grain mill, grind the seeds into flour for making gluten-free treats, such as cakes and cookies. The nutty, earthy flavor of amaranth makes delicious substitutions in recipe types previously restricted to gluten-based ingredients.
- The red amaranth, a stunning addition to any home-and-garden or lifestyle, offers both health benefits and bold colors for garden enthusiasts.
- Cultivating red amaranth in outdoor soil is straightforward, even for novice gardeners. A nutrient-rich, loose soil and suitable spacing are key for healthy growth.
