Growing Amaranth, also Love-lies-bleeding

Amaranthus caudatus : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 64°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, corn, peppers, egg plant, tomatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
02 Nov 10, Marianne (Australia - temperate climate)
As amaranth has 18% protein, why does one of the biggest pesticide companies in the world rate it on top of their list of weeds ??
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Feb 11, Joe (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Have you ever watched landline on the ABC midday on sunday's. Some programs have explained the correlation of weedicides and Plant variety rights. So be cynical and all will be clear.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Nov 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Probably because it can out-compete other plants. If you're trying to grow maize you might not want a field of amaranth taking over instead..
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Jan 10, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Garry, Young amaranth leaves are edible and very nutritious! Used a lot in Asia as young leaves in salad, or steamed greens. It contains oxalic acid, so best not to eat raw in large quantities, but no problem if cooked in water for 2 minutes and discard the water
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Jan 10, Garry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can someone tell me if this is an edible plant ?I have heard the name before but no little about it.I love growing and eating the unusual.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Dec 09, Mei (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought seeds from Diggers Club - details for Diggers Club can be found in gardening magazines e. g. Gardening Australia
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Apr 16, Christine (Australia - arid climate)
My amaranth has seeds growing on main stem and around stem with no top flowers or seeds. Like feathers as I've seen in pictures. Is this an edible seed?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, amaranth seed is edible
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Dec 09, Bronwyn Millford (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Country Romsey, Vic and have these plants just coming up..again,.,,have had them for years since my mother gave thenm too me..they are just gorgeous..i give the seedlings away each year to friends and they all love them
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Sep 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
eden seeds has leaf & grain amaranth
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 81 - 90 of 94 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Amaranth

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.