Warm 21 Amaranth

layout: base.njk title: "Amaranth" plantName: "Amaranthus species (Grain Amaranth & Leaf Amaranth)" category: "Warm Season Crops" description: "Growing guide for Amaranth in West Virginia Zone 6b/7a" tags: planting-guide

Type: Annual
Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family)
Sun: Full sun (6-8+ hours)
Water: Low to Moderate (drought-tolerant once established; 1/2-1" per week)
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5 (extremely adaptable)
Hardiness: Annual (frost-tender, heat-loving)

📅 Planting Calendar (WV Zone 6b/7a)

Method	Timing	Notes
Start indoors	March 15 - April 15	4-6 weeks before transplant, soil temp 65-75°F, surface sow ( light required)
Direct sow	May 20 - June 15	After last frost, soil >60°F (ideally 65-70°F), surface sow or 1/8" deep
Transplant	May 25 - June 15	After all frost danger, harden off 7-10 days, handle carefully
Days to maturity	90-120 days	Grain varieties 100-120 days; leaf varieties 40-60 days for first harvest
Harvest window	Leaf: June 15 - September 30; Grain: September 15 - October 15	Leaf: continuous harvest; Grain: when seed heads are fully colored and dry

🌱 Expected Yield

Leaf amaranth: 2-4 lbs per plant (continuous harvest with regular cutting)
Grain amaranth: 1/2 to 1 lb of seed per plant (10-15 lbs per 100 sq ft)
Per 10' row (grain): 5-10 lbs of seed
Notes: Amaranth is dual-purpose: young leaves for greens, mature seeds for grain. Leaf production is continuous when outer leaves are harvested. Grain yield varies by variety, season length, and soil fertility. In Zone 6b/7a, grain amaranth may not fully mature in cool, short summers—black plastic and early planting improve success. Leaves are more reliable than grain in marginal seasons.

🌿 Growing Conditions

Soil

Adaptable to wide range of soil types, from poor to rich. Amaranth originated in tropical regions and thrives in well-drained soils. Heavy clay should be amended with compost and creek sand for drainage. Raised beds warm faster. Amaranth tolerates low-fertility soils better than most crops (survival trait from weedy ancestry).

Fertilizer

Pre-plant: 1-2" compost for grain varieties; leaf varieties need little amendment
At planting: Minimal; amaranth is light feeder
Side-dress: Not needed for leaf varieties; grain varieties benefit from light compost application when 2 feet tall
Avoid: Excess nitrogen (promotes foliage over seed in grain varieties); fresh manure
Note: Amaranth's weedy ancestry means it thrives where other crops struggle; poor soil better than overly rich

Companions

Good: Corn (uses different soil depth, partial shade), beans (fix nitrogen), squash (living mulch), cucumbers, melons, okra, sunflowers, alliums
Avoid: None significant
Note: Tall grain varieties can provide partial shade for cool-season crops in summer; leaf varieties make good edge plants

Pests

Flea beetles: Can damage young seedlings; row covers until established; diatomaceous earth deterrent
Aphids: Occasional on undersides of leaves; blast with water; introduce ladybugs
Caterpillars: Cabbage loopers and other caterpillars may feed on leaves; hand-pick; Bt for severe infestations
Deer: Generally avoid (especially red-leaved varieties); fencing usually not necessary
Birds: Will eat mature grain heads; netting required if saving seed
Note: Very few pest problems; natural resistance from weedy ancestry; red-leaved varieties particularly deer-resistant

Diseases

Root rot: In poorly drained soil; improve drainage with sand and compost; raised beds help
Leaf spot: Small brown spots; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves
Powdery mildew: Rare; occurs in humid conditions with poor air circulation
Damping off: In seedlings; use sterile seed starting mix; good air circulation
Prevention: Good drainage; air circulation; avoid overhead watering; rotate annually (though disease pressure is very low)
Note: Amaranth is remarkably disease-resistant; few problems in most gardens

Support

Growth habit: Grain varieties grow 4-8 feet tall (may need staking in windy areas); leaf varieties 1-3 feet, bushy
Spacing: Grain varieties 12-18" between plants; leaf varieties 6-12" between plants; rows 18-36" apart
Mulching: Light organic mulch to suppress weeds when young; established plants shade out weeds
Staking: Tall grain varieties may need staking in windy locations; use tomato cages or individual stakes
Note: Amaranth's rapid growth and dense foliage suppress weeds naturally after establishment

🏺 Heirloom Varieties

GRAIN AMARANTH (Amaranthus cruentus, A. hypochondriacus, A. caudatus)

'Opopeo'

Source: Baker Creek (rareseeds.com), Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org), Southern Exposure (southernexposure.com)
Days: 100 days
Notes: A. cruentus. Mexican heirloom. Deep red leaves and seed heads. 5-6 feet tall. Bronze-gold seeds. Excellent yield. Beautiful ornamental value. Traditional variety for grain and greens. Heat-tolerant.

'Plenty'

Source: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange
Days: 95 days
Notes: A. cruentus. Selected for cold tolerance. Golden seed heads. 4-5 feet tall. Early maturing. Best for short seasons (Zone 6). Good yield. Red-tinged leaves. Rodale Institute selection.

'Golden Giant'

Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure, Johnny's Selected Seeds (johnnyseeds.com)
Days: 100 days
Notes: A. cruentus. Golden-orange seed heads. 4-6 feet tall. High yield. Excellent popping quality (like popcorn). Sweet, nutty flavor. Beautiful in bouquets. Dual-purpose (grain and ornamental).

'Red Garnet'

Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure, most seed companies
Days: 90 days
Notes: A. tricolor. Red, purple, and green variegated leaves. Primarily grown as leaf amaranth, but produces small amount of grain. 2-3 feet tall. Stunning ornamental. Young leaves mild, excellent for salads. Edible flowers.

'Love-Lies-Bleeding'

Source: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange, Southern Exposure
Days: 100 days
Notes: A. caudatus. Dramatic drooping red flower heads (12-18" long). 4-5 feet tall. Primarily ornamental, but seeds are edible. Lower grain yield. Ancient variety (grown by Incas). Beautiful in bouquets. Self-seeds readily.

'Alegria'

Source: Baker Creek, Native Seeds/SEARCH
Days: 105 days
Notes: A. cruentus. Mexican variety. Name means "joy" in Spanish. Golden seed heads. 5-6 feet tall. Traditional for making alegria (popped amaranth bars with honey). High yield. Heat-tolerant. Cultural significance.

'Kew's Golden'

Source: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange
Days: 100 days
Notes: A. hypochondriacus. Selected at Kew Gardens. Golden seed heads. 4-5 feet tall. Good yield. Early maturing. Reliable in Zone 6. Ornamental value.

'Green Love Lies'

Source: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange
Days: 100 days
Notes: A. caudatus. Green drooping flower heads (rare form). 4-5 feet tall. Primarily ornamental. Seeds edible. Unique color. Self-seeds readily.

'Hopi Red Dye'

Source: Baker Creek, Native Seeds/SEARCH, Seed Savers Exchange
Days: 100 days
Notes: A. cruentus. Hopi tribal variety. Deep red-purple plant. Used traditionally for red dye (from flowers and leaves). Seeds edible. 4-5 feet tall. Cultural significance. Beautiful color.

'Autumn's Touch'

Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure
Days: 95 days
Notes: A. caudatus. Drooping flower heads in shades of gold, rust, and burgundy. 3-4 feet tall. Primarily ornamental. Edible seeds. Beautiful in bouquets. Self-seeds.

'Pigmy Torch'

Source: Baker Creek, Johnny's Selected Seeds
Days: 70 days
Notes: A. cruentus. Dwarf variety (18-24" tall). Red flower heads. Good for containers. Grain production limited. Primarily ornamental. Early. Good for small gardens.

'Velvet Prince'

Source: Baker Creek, specialty seed companies
Days: 90 days
Notes: A. tricolor. Tri-color leaves (red, green, cream). 2-3 feet tall. Primarily leaf variety. Stunning ornamental. Mild flavor. Good for salads.

LEAF AMARANTH (Amaranthus tricolor, A. dubius, A. lividus)

'Callaloo Green'

Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure, Caribbean seed companies
Days: 40 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. dubius or A. lividus. Green leaves. Caribbean variety. Primary ingredient in Jamaican callaloo (traditional dish). 2-3 feet tall. Continuous harvest. Heat and humidity tolerant. Mild, spinach-like flavor.

'Callaloo Red'

Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure, Caribbean seed companies
Days: 40 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. tricolor. Red and green variegated leaves. Caribbean variety. Used in callaloo. 2-3 feet tall. Beautiful and edible. Heat-tolerant. Mild flavor.

'Tete'

Source: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange, African seed companies
Days: 35 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. cruentus. Nigerian variety. Green leaves. 2-3 feet tall. Staple vegetable in West Africa. Continuous harvest. Heat-tolerant. Mild, slightly sweet flavor.

'Amarillo'

Source: Baker Creek, Latin American seed companies
Days: 40 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. tricolor. Yellow-green leaves. Central American variety. Traditional cooking green. 2-3 feet tall. Heat-tolerant. Good yield.

'Boro Boro'

Source: Baker Creek, African seed companies
Days: 35 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. dubius. West African variety. Green leaves with red veins. 2-3 feet tall. Heat and humidity tolerant. Continuous production. Tender leaves. Mild flavor.

'Lal Chaulai'

Source: Baker Creek, Indian seed companies
Days: 40 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. tricolor. Red leaves. Indian variety (name means "red amaranth" in Hindi). Traditional Indian vegetable. 2-3 feet tall. Used in curries, stir-fries. Heat-tolerant.

'Green Chaulai'

Source: Baker Creek, Indian seed companies
Days: 35 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. dubius. Green leaves. Indian variety. Traditional cooking green. 2-3 feet tall. Common in Indian markets. Heat-tolerant. Mild flavor.

'Joseph's Coat'

Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure, most seed companies
Days: 45 days (first harvest)
Notes: A. tricolor. Spectacular tri-color leaves (red, yellow, green). 2-3 feet tall. Primarily ornamental but edible. Mild flavor. Stunning garden display. Self-seeds.

📜 Cultural History & Domestication

Domesticated: Amaranth was domesticated independently in multiple regions. Grain amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus, A. hypochondriacus) was domesticated in Central America and the Andes by 4000-3000 BCE, making it one of the earliest domesticated crops in the Americas. Leaf amaranth (A. tricolor, A. dubius) was domesticated in Asia (India, Southeast Asia) by 2000-1000 BCE.

Archaeological Evidence: Amaranth seeds have been found in Tehuacán caves in Mexico dating to 4000 BCE. Amaranth remains appear in Andean sites from 3000 BCE. In India, amaranth appears in archaeological contexts from 1000 BCE. The widespread ancient distribution suggests multiple independent domestications.

Historical Record - The Americas:

Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztec Empire (1400s-1500s), second only to corn in importance. The Aztecs called amaranth huauhtli in Nahuatl. Amaranth grain was used to make tzoalli, a dough mixed with honey and human blood (from sacrificial victims), shaped into figures of gods, and eaten in religious ceremonies.

When Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztecs (1521), he recognized amaranth's religious significance and banned its cultivation throughout New Spain (Mexico). Growing amaranth became punishable by death. The Spanish destroyed amaranth fields and replaced them with European crops. This nearly extinguished amaranth cultivation in the Americas.

Survival: Despite the Spanish ban, amaranth survived in remote indigenous communities. The Hopi people in what is now Arizona continued growing amaranth (Hopi Red Dye variety). In Central and South American highlands, indigenous peoples preserved amaranth cultivation.

Revival: Amaranth was rediscovered by agronomists in the 1970s. The National Academy of Sciences published "Amaranth: Modern Prospects" (1984), highlighting its nutritional value and potential. The Rodale Institute began breeding cold-tolerant, early-maturing varieties for temperate climates. Today, amaranth is grown commercially in the U.S., Peru, China, and India.

Historical Record - Asia:

Leaf amaranth has been cultivated in India for over 2000 years. Sanskrit texts mention amaranth. In Hindi, it is called chaulai or chauli. Amaranth is integral to Indian cuisine, used in curries, stir-fries, and as pot herb. Different regions prefer different varieties (red-leaved vs. green-leaved).

Amaranth spread from India to China (Tang Dynasty, 600-900 CE), Southeast Asia, and Africa. In China, it is called yin choy. In the Philippines, it is kulitis. Each culture developed unique culinary traditions around leaf amaranth.

Caribbean Tradition:

Enslaved Africans brought knowledge of leaf amaranth to the Caribbean. The name "callaloo" derives from Caribbean indigenous languages. Callaloo (the dish) is made from amaranth leaves, okra, coconut milk, and spices. It is the national dish of Trinidad and Tobago. Callaloo represents African diaspora foodways and resilience.

African Cultivation:

Leaf amaranth arrived in Africa via trade routes from Asia. It is now widely grown throughout West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Benin) and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania). In Nigeria, it is called tete. In Kenya, it is terere. Amaranth provides crucial nutrition in subsistence farming systems.

Nutritional Renaissance:

Amaranth grain has exceptional nutritional profile: - Protein: 13-18% (higher than wheat, rice, corn) - Lysine: High levels (limiting amino acid in most grains) - Complete protein: Contains all essential amino acids - Calcium: 2-3 times higher than wheat - Iron: 3-5 times higher than wheat - Fiber: High insoluble fiber - Gluten-free: Safe for celiac disease

Leaf amaranth is equally nutritious: - Vitamin A: Very high (beta-carotene) - Vitamin C: High levels - Calcium: Higher than spinach - Iron: High levels - Protein: 3-5% fresh weight

Modern Significance:

Amaranth is recognized as a "crop of the future" for several reasons: - Climate resilience: Heat and drought tolerant - C3 photosynthesis: More efficient than C4 crops in some conditions - Low input: Grows in poor soils, requires minimal fertilizer - Dual-purpose: Both leaves and grain are edible - Nutritional density: Addresses malnutrition - Short season: Leaf varieties harvestable in 30-40 days

In the context of climate change, amaranth's heat tolerance and drought resistance make it increasingly valuable. It produces when other crops fail.

Cultural Revival:

Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America are reviving traditional amaranth cultivation. Organizations like Amaranth Institute (founded 1998) promote research and development. Heirloom seed savers preserve diverse varieties.

Why Grow Amaranth?

Nutritional powerhouse: Complete protein, minerals, vitamins
Climate resilient: Thrives in heat and drought
Dual-purpose: Greens and grain from same plant
Easy to grow: Few pests, few diseases, low maintenance
Beautiful: Ornamental value in gardens
Cultural heritage: Connects to ancient agricultural traditions
Seed saving: Easy to save seed (for grain varieties)

🌾 Seed Saving

Method for Grain Amaranth: 1. Choose healthy, vigorous plants with desirable characteristics (tall, full seed heads, early maturity) 2. Allow seed heads to fully mature on plant (turns brown/tan, seeds are hard) 3. Cut seed heads with 12-18" of stem; place in paper bag or hang upside down in dry, well-ventilated area 4. After 2-3 weeks of drying, rub seed heads between hands over bucket (seeds will fall out) 5. Winnow seeds: pour between containers outdoors on breezy day (chaff blows away, seeds fall straight down) 6. Fine-mesh strainer can remove larger debris 7. Spread seeds on tray; dry 1 week more indoors 8. Store in airtight container (glass jar) in cool, dry, dark place

Method for Leaf Amaranth: 1. Leaf amaranth self-seeds readily; allow some plants to go to seed 2. Follow same drying and winnowing process as grain amaranth 3. Note: leaf varieties produce less seed than grain varieties

Isolation Distance: - Cross-pollination: Amaranth is primarily self-pollinating, but some crossing occurs via wind - Minimum: 1/4 mile between varieties for pure seed - For home gardeners: 50-100 feet usually sufficient; grow only one variety per year - Note: Grain and leaf amaranth will cross; isolate different types

Viability: 4-6 years under proper storage (cool, dry, dark). Germination rates remain high through year 4.

Special Notes: - Save from 5-10 plants minimum to maintain genetic diversity - For grain varieties, select for early maturity (important in Zone 6) - For leaf varieties, select for tenderness, flavor, and bolt resistance - Bird netting essential: Birds will eat mature seed heads; cover with netting or harvest early - Threshing: Small batches can be threshed by rubbing between hands; larger batches can be beaten inside pillowcase - Winnowing: Best done outdoors on breezy day; use fan if no wind - Seeds are tiny (1mm diameter); use fine-mesh strainer

📖 Sources Consulted

The Amaranth Cookbook - Susan M. Clark (Ten Speed Press, 2019)
Amaranth: Modern Prospects - National Academy of Sciences (1984)
Heirloom Vegetable Gardening - William Woys Weaver (Rodale, 1997)
Lost Crops of the Americas - National Research Council (2006)
Seed Savers Exchange Yearbook (2020-2025 editions)
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Catalog (2025)
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Catalog (2025)
WVU Extension Service: Amaranth and Alternative Grains (2024)
ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture: Amaranth (NCAT, 2023)
Tropical Plant Database - Ken Fern (Plants for a Future, 2025)
Native Seeds/SEARCH Catalog (2025)

Added to WV Planting Guide 26155 — The Loop Farmstead

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