annual

Livid Amaranth

The Story

Plant Bio

Amaranthus blitum, commonly known as livid amaranth, is a low-growing annual herb native to the Mediterranean region and temperate Eurasia. It develops an erect to prostrate habit, branching from the base to form dense mats of foliage in disturbed soils.

This species is distinguished by its hairless stems and small, notched rhombic leaves that often display a purplish or livid tinge on new growth. The flowers are tiny, greenish-white clusters produced in the leaf axils and terminal spikes, followed by smooth or slightly wrinkled indehiscent fruits.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides minimal ornamental value, occasionally grown in heritage gardens for its purplish-tinged young foliage.

Cultivated as a traditional potherb or leafy green, though it must be grown with minimal fertilizer to prevent nitrate accumulation.

Seeds provide a minor food source for ground-feeding granivorous birds and small mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

24"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Mediterranean region, Europe, North Africa, Temperate Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to livestock if nitrate-stressed

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with fertile, well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
Sow seeds directly on the soil surface in late spring once soil temperatures warm.
Thin emerging seedlings to stand roughly eight to twelve inches apart to allow for lateral branching.
Water moderately during dry spells to encourage lush foliage growth, though established plants tolerate brief dry periods.

Pro Tip

Distinguish this species from similar pigweeds by its completely hairless stems and the specific wrinkled texture of its mature seed pods. To prevent rapid self-seeding and local spread, hand-pull plants before the green axillary flower clusters mature and drop seed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pull plants early in the season if you wish to control their spread in cultivated beds.
Harvest young, tender leaves before flowering begins for the best culinary quality.

Don't

Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, as this species readily accumulates toxic levels of nitrates.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot pathogens thrive.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible GardenPermaculture

Companion Plants

Solanum lycopersicum Capsicum annuum Portulaca oleracea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Livid Amaranth questions

What zones can Livid Amaranth grow in?

Livid Amaranth is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Livid Amaranth deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Livid Amaranth, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Livid Amaranth bloom?

Livid Amaranth typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Livid Amaranth need full sun?

Livid Amaranth does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Livid Amaranth drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Livid Amaranth handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.