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Amaranth may be the perfect plant. Loved by gardeners for its profuse magenta plumes, it resists drought, thrives in poor soil (even in sawdust and manure!), can sometimes be eaten as early as five weeks after sowing, has no pest problems, and is known by a number of silly names. Really, what more do you want?
Growing Guide
Planting:The optimum planting depth varies with soil type but may range from ¼ to 1 inch deep. Amaranth requires good seed/soil contact for rapid germination, and adequate soil moisture must be maintained throughout establishment.
Amaranth is a warm-season crop. For best germination, plant seeds when the soil temperature reaches 65° to 75°F. The normal planting date is from late May to early June (similar to sorghum). Amaranth planted in late June tends to be shorter in height, with lower yields, and may not mature before frost, but is less susceptible to lodging. Amaranth planted early has been found to be more competitive with weedy amaranth (pigweed).
Spacing: 1"-3" apart.
Special hint: There are a limited number of commercial varieties of amaranth. The Rodale Institute and the American Amaranth Institute have several lines that have been made available to growers without formal release, but currently only 'Amont' and 'Plainsman' are available through certified seed channels. Both are grown for their nutritious seeds, rather than their leaves.
Trivia Tibits The word amaranth is derived from the Greek for "never-fading flower." It is a relative of the pervasive pigweed and a cousin of cockscomb. Its many useful species have sundry names, among them: calaloo, wild beet, Prince's feather, and Joseph's coat. Carelessweed, another undesirable, is also a member of the Amaranthus family.
Amaranth sources Look for starter plants at spring garden shows. Many local nurseries sell amaranth varieties in the spring. Seed can be found at local nurseries or online at the following Web sites:
