Amaranth, Amaranthus: sowing, planting, care

Description and botany

Amaranth is a herbaceous plant from the amaranth family. It is native to South America where it grows in clear, humid woodlands and where the Incas and Mayans cultivated it for its edible seeds and leaves.

There are around sixty species of amaranth, mostly edible, including Amaranthus caudatus, the famous “Love-lies-bleeding” with its deep purple or pistachio green cultivars. The Tricolour Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor), which comes in many variegated foliage cultivars (‘Joseph’s Coat’), Amaranthus paniculatus with its large feathery panicles, or Amaranthus hybridus ssp cruentus, the edible amaranth, can also be found in our gardens.

Accustomed to tropical and subtropical climates, this perennial in its native habitat is grown as an annual in our climates.

Amaranth quickly forms a more or less branched bush, 90 cm to 2 m tall, with an upright or trailing habit depending on the species. These vigorous clumps can sometimes be invasive, and certain amaranth species naturalise easily, being considered invasive.

The foliage of Amaranth varies by species and variety. The broad leaves, 3 to 20 cm long, ovate to lanceolate, sometimes heart-shaped, with deeply marked veins, are arranged alternately in clusters on thick stems, sometimes ribbed and deep purple. While the foliage is deciduous, it renews regularly in some species, particularly Amaranthus tricolor, and persists very late into autumn, with Amaranthus meaning “unfading” in Greek. The leaves of the latter have undulate margins, a crinkled appearance, and prominent veins.

Amaranthus caudatus – botanical illustration

Dark green, purple-green with blood-red veins in Amaranthus caudatus, or a magnificent purple with grey reflections in Amaranthus cruentus ‘Velvet Curtains’, also called “Blood Amaranth” or “Red Amaranth”, the foliage dazzles even more in certain species. It stands out in Amaranthus tricolor with flamboyant, sumptuously variegated or multicoloured hues at the top of the plant, blending bronze, gold, vanilla, orange, and red. These rich tones contrast with the green base of the plant. These highly coloured, tousled tufts give these amaranths the appearance of tropical parrots or a bush on fire! A magnificence that more than compensates for the insignificant flowering in this species.

This highly coloured foliage remains beautiful until the first frosts. It provides a setting for the spectacular inflorescences of certain amaranth species. Dramatic, the upright or trailing flowering of amaranths is unforgettable! It lasts from July to September-October, bringing a very original touch to the garden.

The most striking is undoubtedly that of Amaranthus caudatus. This species of Amaranth displays, depending on the variety, long, slender, upright or trailing plumes that can measure up to 40 cm or more, sometimes touching the ground. Its other name, “Love-lies-bleeding”, comes from its tiny single flowers without petals, surrounded by coloured bracts and gathered in cylindrical spikes in the leaf axils or at the terminal part. Dense and velvety, these aments resemble the animal’s tail.

Some varieties, like Amaranthus caudatus gibbosus or Gibbous Amaranth, produce a rather unique flowering in the plant world, with their drooping spikes made up of bumpy balls reminiscent of Jamaican dreadlocks! Others, like the ‘Fat Spike’ variety, stand out with upright inflorescences instead of trailing ones.

All transform the bush into a cascade of downy flowers.

As for the Panicled Amaranths (Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus paniculatus), they exhibit large, feathery, fine, dishevelled panicles up to 25 cm long.

These floral spikes with surprising personalities display rich colours, sometimes equally astonishing for a plant, ranging from deep purple to crimson red, burgundy to Tyrian pink (Amaranthus cruentus ‘Velvet Curtains’), not forgetting the pistachio green of ‘Green Cascade’ or the biscuit tones of ‘Autumn Palette’.

They also make excellent flowers for grand fresh or dried bouquets, as their colours do not fade, even when dried.

After flowering, the plant fruits generously: each plant produces thousands of seeds per year! The fruits are achenes containing many tiny seeds dispersed by wind and rain, quick to self-seed.

Amaranth is a tender plant grown as an annual in our climates. Its South American origins make it suited to sunny, sheltered positions as it needs warmth. It grows quickly in well-drained, rich, moist soil. Resistant to salt spray, it is also a good coastal plant.

Particularly remarkable for the luminous or incandescent explosion it offers all summer until autumn, Amaranth never goes unnoticed in a garden. It is a must-have for sunny gardens. With its strong presence, it creates lush, exuberant summer scenes and fits perfectly in a romantic garden as well as an exotic one! It can be planted almost anywhere, singly or in small groups, to add colour, originality, and height in a well-exposed perennial border or flowering container. Edible, it is also perfect for a flowering vegetable garden.

Young amaranth shoots can be eaten like spinach, while its seeds can be enjoyed whole, roasted, or ground into flour like a cereal.

Main species and varieties of amaranth

Towering giants reaching nearly 2m or compact varieties not exceeding 40cm in height, upright flowering spikes reaching skywards or trailing spikes cascading to the ground, flamboyant or subtle hues – there are numerous species and varieties of Amaranth suitable for every garden. From the most exuberant to the most demure, discover our amaranths, some offered exclusively!

Most Popular

Amaranthus caudatus Red Cascade Seeds - Love-Lies-Bleeding

The classic Amaranth, recognisable by its long scarlet to purple trailing panicles that can cascade right to the ground. Stunning in dramatic dried arrangements or in sunny, sheltered garden spots!

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Amaranthus caudatus Pony Tails Mixed - Love-Lies-Bleeding

A harmonious and surprising mix of long trailing plumes in deep red or pale green. It will add striking verticality and majesty to flowering containers, perennial borders and floral arrangements.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,10 m

See the product sheet

Our Favourites

Amaranthus caudatus Dreadlocks Seeds - Love-Lies-Bleeding

An amaranth with highly original flowering composed of dark pink globes. This variety suits both romantic and exotic garden styles.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Amaranthus caudatus Green Cascade Seeds - Love-Lies-Bleeding

A striking flowering with long pistachio-green panicles. A plant of impressive stature for garden beds or containers.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Amaranthus paniculatus Autumn Palette - Amaranth

A mix of sumptuous amaranths in biscuit hues. Original and extravagant, it works equally well in borders or arrangements.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,05 m

See the product sheet

Amaranthus cruentus Velvet Curtains Seeds

This blood-red amaranth is a wonderfully colourful and structural plant. Magnificent in borders, containers or arrangements.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Amaranthus tricolor Garden Select Seeds - Josephs Coat

Bring exoticism and cheer to your garden! Can be used as a standalone feature or in small groups at border edges, as well as in patio containers.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Amaranthus tricolor Joseph's Coat - Amaranth

An Amaranth species prized for its variegated foliage - its flowering may be insignificant but the decorative effect is stunning! Magnificent in borders, containers or arrangements.

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Sowing amaranth seeds, planting young plants

When to Sow and Plant Amaranth or Love-Lies-Bleeding?

Amaranth seeds should be sown under cover from March onwards at a temperature of 15 to 20°C, with transplanting in May once all risk of frost has passed, or directly in place from April to May preferably after the last frosts.

How to Sow Amaranth Seeds?

Sowing under cover

• In a seed tray, sow thinly on the surface of good, moist seed compost or place 1 or 2 seeds directly per bucket
• Lightly cover the amaranth seeds with compost
• Keep in a bright, warm place between 20 and 25°C
• Keep the surface moist but not waterlogged until germination, which usually takes 3 to 15 days
• Transplant the young plants into buckets
• In mid-May after all risk of frost, transplant them outdoors into the ground or into pots
• Add compost to each planting hole
• Water generously

Direct sowing in the ground

• In well-worked soil, enriched with compost and loosened to a depth of 40 to 50 cm, sow the amaranth seeds very thinly in furrows spaced 30 cm apart
• Keep the soil moist to aid germination
• When they reach the 5-leaf stage, thin out and transplant the plants, spacing them 40 to 80 cm apart
• Water very regularly

Where to Plant Amaranth?

Amaranth is a frost-tender perennial, which is why, in our climate, it is grown as an annual in the ground or in pots. It can be overwintered frost-free. It tolerates the sea spray of maritime climates well.

This is a heat-loving plant that requires a sunny position, in a spot sheltered from strong winds. A location that is too windy will threaten this tall annual.

It thrives in fertile, moist and very well-drained soils where it grows quickly and becomes luxuriant.

For a spectacular effect, plant amaranths in groups of 3 to 5 plants per m2, spaced 50 to 80 cm apart depending on the variety.

Its bushy habit and sometimes imposing size (it can reach 2 m) allow it to integrate easily in the middle or back of a perennial or annual border, in a flower bed or even as a standalone feature against a wall or fence in a warm spot where it will attract all eyes. It will also add height and extravagance beside a pond or in moist but sunny areas of the garden. It can also be grown easily in a large container on terraces.

Planting Amaranth in Pots

If you wish to grow Amaranth in a pot, choose a large container and transplant your young plant into a mix of compost and potting soil that is kept moist. Place a good layer of drainage material at the bottom of the pot. Mulch and water very regularly, never allowing the growing medium to dry out.

Maintenance and Care

Once properly planted, Amaranth proves to be a trouble-free annual, provided the soil remains moist and sufficiently nourishing.

Whether in pots or in open ground, the soil must be kept moist: apply mulch and water regularly, especially during dry spells.

In pots: fertilise with a liquid feed every fortnight during the flowering period.

Stake taller varieties if necessary from the start of growth.

When they are 4 to 6 weeks old, the young leaves can be harvested.

Remove spent flowers to encourage a second flush or leave them to set seed if you wish to harvest seeds for future sowings. Amaranth seeds are harvested in late summer: cut the spikes and dry them, then thresh them once fully dry to collect the seeds.

In autumn, pull up the plants to prevent self-seeding: amaranth self-seeds prolifically! You can overwinter potted specimens in a frost-free location.

Diseases and potential pests

Amaranth has two well-known enemies:

• snails and slugs which devour young shoots: discover our advice for protecting your plants from gastropods!

• aphids: plant decoy flowers like nasturtiums nearby and spray regularly with soapy water.

Propagation

Amaranth self-seeds readily. Amaranth seeds retain their germination properties for up to 3 years after harvest. The plant reproduces by sowing in spring, if you haven’t cut all the flower spikes.

Discover: our advice video for sowing your annual flower seeds correctly!

Pairing Amaranths in the Garden

With its theatrical and exuberant flowering, its purplish or tricolour foliage with fiery hues, Amaranth always makes a striking entrance in the garden, transforming a simple flowerbed or border into a stunningly original picture. Depending on the colour of its spikes, it blends into all settings, from the most romantic to the most exotic. It is an essential annual flower for sunny gardens and, of course, for pink and mauve gardens.

With its strong presence, Amaranth can set the tone for a flowerbed, either by adding contrast and cheerfulness or by creating a harmonious blend of colours.

An example of a combination: Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’, Amaranth such as ‘Velvet Curtains’, Impatiens such as ‘Orchid Blush’, Fuchsia magellanica and Coleus, with the variety ‘Skyfire’ being perfect.

Opt for a monochrome look by mixing pinks for a voluptuous setting. Saturated colours work well in late season: dare to combine bold tones by pairing Amaranth with purple or dark-foliaged bushes like a purple Smoke Bush, old-fashioned roses, Phlox paniculata, Hollyhocks or tall Lavateras.

Just a few Amaranth plants are enough to add depth and character to a simple border and create exotic, colourful scenes.

In a mixed border, it pairs easily with late-flowering perennials such as Asters, Giant Snapdragons, Heleniums, Autumn Stonecrops, with which it creates flamboyant scenes to accompany summer’s last flames.

At the heart of an exuberant flowerbed, it will find a prime spot alongside floriferous and radiant perennials like Daylilies, Echinacea, Crocosmias, Agastaches, Oriental Poppies, Lupins, Cardoons and annuals such as Cosmos, Red Flax.

An idea for a combination with Yarrows and Borage

For a striking pairing, opt for Dahlia flowers, which will gain even more expressiveness when paired with Amaranth.

Mix it with annuals like Rudbeckias, Zinnias, Sunflowers, which will rival it in the most vibrant tones.

To keep its base cool all summer, plant ground-cover perennials like Cerastostigma plumbaginoides or Leadwort, Creeping Bugles or Bear’s Ears with their silvery-grey woolly foliage.

For a contemporary, exotic-themed picture, Love-Lies-Bleeding will set the garden ablaze until early autumn when paired with a Castor Bean, Red Hot Pokers and the linear leaves of a New Zealand Flax.

Amaranth always introduces powerful accents into a composition, which straw-toned grasses like Fountain Grass, Miscanthus and Feather Grass balance out by adding texture, movement and lightness.

In pots, Amaranth pairs well with Lobelias, Ornamental Tobacco, Petunias and other Calibrachoas and mini Dahlias.

Amaranth is also a must-have alongside other vegetable plants. It will form the magnificent backdrop to a border of Marigolds, Red Orach, Dwarf Nasturtiums, which will also keep aphids away from its stems!

Did you know?

Long before it filled the shelves of organic shops and our gardens, Amaranth was cultivated by the Aztecs who consumed it as a cereal like quinoa and used it for sacred rites.