Also known as Amaranth · 37 saves
Amaranthus
Amaranthus, the genus most gardeners know as amaranth. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Amaranthus varieties
2 species of Amaranthus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Amaranthus in Sow
Save the Amaranthus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Amaranthus
Whats common across all Amaranthus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
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 37 real gardeners — 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.