Also known as Amaranth · 25 gardener saves
Amaranthus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Amaranthus, the genus most gardeners know as amaranth. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Amaranthus varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedLove-Lies-Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatus
#2 most savedVelvet Curtains Amaranth
Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains'
#3 most savedGreen Amaranth
Amaranthus viridis
Red Amaranth
Amaranthus cruentus
How to grow Amaranthus
What the Amaranthus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Amaranthus year
- PlantMarch–May100% of varieties
Sow seeds or transplant seedlings after the last spring frost.
- HarvestMay–September100% of varieties
Harvest young leaves and stems continuously for best flavor.
- StakeJune and July75% of varieties
Stake tall plants early to support heavy, weeping flower spikes
- FertilizeMay and July50% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid feed if harvesting leaves frequently.
Do
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune to encourage bushy growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in season
- Don't plant in shady spots
What goes wrong with Amaranthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Flea Beetles | Small holes in leaves, check for tiny jumping insects | Use row covers and apply insecticidal soap |
| Downy Mildew | Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces, fuzzy growth underneath | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spots | Brown spots on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Downy mildew | Yellowing leaves with fuzzy gray mold | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
Making more Amaranthus
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring.
- Germinate in 7–14 days at 65–75°F.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart.
- Transplant after 4–6 weeks if needed.
seeds
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist soil, 2 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which takes 7–14 days.
Amaranthus questions
How many types of Amaranthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Amaranthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 25 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Amaranthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Amaranthus covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Amaranthus bloom?
Most Amaranthus varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Amaranthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Amaranthus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Amaranthus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
