Amaranthus Seeds (Heirloom)

Florists have recognized this annual plant as a fantastic addition to cut flower bouquets because of its stunning, attractive bloom. You may already have its sister plant, Pigweed, growing from your soil as a source of food in Africa. The flame-like blooms of Pygmy's Torch and Green Thumb, or the drooping elephant (think Snuffleupagus) tusk-like draping nature of the blooms of Viridis or Love Lies Bleeding, are two of our favorite Amaranthus seeds. Green Thumb and Pygmy's Torch, two upright cultivars, have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

• Multiple varieties of heirloom amaranthus to choose from
• Both ornamental and edible
• Can be used in cut flower arrangements
• Drought-tolerant

Gardeners have adopted heirloom amaranth as a popular ornamental flower. It is, nevertheless, an edible plant that is farmed in many parts of the world for its grain-like seeds. Amaranth has long been grown as a food crop in countries all over the world, thus its use as a decorative plant is relatively new. It's even supposed to be an ancient grain! Edible amaranth is popular because of the abundant seeds that drape from the plant like chandeliers. Amaranth flowers, leaves, and stems come in a variety of colors ranging from crimson to maroon, making it a great eye-catcher in the garden. There are several varieties, some of which can grow to be 10 feet tall! Its tall stalks make a great trellis for climbing vine plants such as beans and peas. Not only that, but the grain it produces is also delicious to birds. It attracts bees because it smells good.

Sow your heirloom amaranth seeds in the spring. Although the seeds can be planted immediately in the ground, we recommend starting them six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Select a site that receives lots of sunlight and has well-draining soil (not dense clay). Seeds should be spaced 10 to 12 inches apart and lightly covered with soil. The seeds will germinate in three to four days if the temperature is between 60 and 90°F. When it's time to transplant them outside, sow them 1.5 to 2 feet apart if you started them indoors.

Because it is drought resistant, it only has to be watered once or twice a week during the dry months. Tall plants should be fertilized or composted once or twice a year. The average amaranth plant grows to be between four and six feet tall, but with adequate soil and enough nitrogen and other nutrients, it can grow to be much taller.

Amaranth blooms until the first hard frost, so there will be plenty of seed to harvest in the meanwhile! In three months, the seeds from the blooms will be ready to harvest. Gently shake the flower heads, gathering any fallen leaves in a large basin or bag. If you don't want to harvest the seeds, you can cut and dry amaranth and use it in dry flower arrangements.

For more information infomation about planting, growing, and caring for heirloom amaranth seed, see out Amaranth Seeds Planting Guide.