How to Grow Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red
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Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red
Amaranthus cruentus
vegetableAmaranth Burgundy is a stunning dual-purpose plant with deep burgundy foliage and dramatic crimson flower plumes that can reach 12-18 inches long. It's grown for both its nutritious edible leaves (similar to spinach) and its striking ornamental seed heads. The grain-like seeds are also edible and highly nutritious, making it a complete food crop.
When should you plant Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red in your zone?
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Example Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Annual grown in all zones; thrives in zones 3-10 with warm temperatures
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny red-tinged cotyledons emerge with fine true leaves following. Plants are delicate and may appear pale initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light immediately to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops deeper burgundy coloration in stems and leaf veins. Leaves are large and tender. Plant grows 1-2 feet tall with increasingly robust stems.
Thin to final spacing (12 inches). Begin harvesting outer leaves for greens once plant is established. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness if desired. Burgundy color deepens with full sun exposure.
Flowering/Plume Development
25-35 daysTerminal flower plumes begin forming and develop deep crimson-burgundy color. Plumes can reach 12-18 inches long and are densely packed with tiny flowers.
Do not fertilize heavily during this stage as it diverts energy from plume development. Maintain consistent watering. Plumes continue to develop color intensity for 3-4 weeks.
Seed Development and Maturation
15-25 daysFlower plumes fully mature to deep burgundy with tiny seeds developing throughout. The foliage below may become tougher. Seeds gradually change from green to tan to brown.
Reduce watering slightly once seeds begin forming. Do not harvest leaves as aggressively now; let plant focus on seed production. Watch for seed maturity by rubbing plume gently—mature seeds will easily fall.
Harvest Ready
Variable based on usePlant reaches full height (2-4 feet typical for this variety). Plumes are fully colored and seeded. Plants can be harvested or dried in place.
Harvest plumes when seeds are just beginning to mature for the best combination of ornamental and grain use. Allow to dry further in place or cut and hang-dry if early frost threatens.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on seedlings; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant nasturtium as trap crop nearby
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Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with spinosad; encourage natural predators
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; neem oil
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Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-picking; row covers; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryYoung amaranth leaves are tender and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. They are exceptionally high in calcium, iron, and magnesium. The burgundy varieties have a slightly nuttier, sweeter flavor than green amaranth. [source]
Grain and Seeds
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are complete proteins containing all essential amino acids, making them a valuable gluten-free grain. Seeds can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as porridge. One plant can produce 40,000+ seeds. [source]
Blood Sugar Regulation
MedicinalAmaranth seeds contain compounds that may help regulate blood glucose levels and have been studied for potential benefits in managing diabetes. The high fiber content also supports digestive health. [source]
Garden Color and Cut Flowers
OrnamentalThe deep burgundy-red plumes are stunning in the garden as focal points and excellent in fresh or dried flower arrangements. The dramatic color intensifies throughout the growing season and remains vibrant when dried. [source]
Seed for Birds
WildlifeMature amaranth seed heads are beloved by finches, chickadees, and other seed-eating birds. Leaving plants in place through fall and winter provides important winter food sources for local bird populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For edible leaves: Begin harvesting outer leaves 4-6 weeks after planting once plant is 8+ inches tall; pinch tips to encourage branching. For grain/seeds: Allow plumes to fully mature and dry (8-12 weeks total), then cut plumes and hang-dry indoors for 2-3 weeks until seeds fall easily when rubbed. Thresh seeds by rubbing dried plumes over a fine mesh screen to separate seeds from chaff. Store dried seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth Burgundy Brilliant Red was sacred to the Aztecs and was called 'huautli'; it was used in religious ceremonies and as a nutritional staple. One plant can produce enough seed to sustain a person for several days.
- 🌱 The deep burgundy-red pigmentation comes from betalains and anthocyanins, the same compounds found in beets and red cabbage; these pigments are powerful antioxidants that become more concentrated with increased sunlight exposure.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'grain,' amaranth is technically a pseudo-cereal seed like quinoa; it's not a true grain but has nutritional properties similar to grains, making it valuable for gluten-free and ancient grain diets worldwide.
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