How to Grow Amaranth Burgundy Ruby
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Amaranth Burgundy Ruby
Amaranthus cruentus
vegetableAmaranth Burgundy Ruby is a striking ornamental grain amaranth with deep burgundy-red foliage and dramatic drooping flower plumes that deepen to crimson as they mature. This heat-loving annual produces nutritious grain and edible leaves while adding bold visual interest to gardens. The plant grows 3-5 feet tall and thrives in warm, sunny locations.
When should you plant Amaranth Burgundy Ruby in your zone?
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Example Amaranth Burgundy Ruby timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaranth Burgundy Ruby
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 Ruby
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Amaranth Burgundy Ruby dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; grows as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing. Foliage begins showing deep red coloration.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant rapidly grows to 1-2 feet with increasingly deep burgundy foliage on stems and leaves. Plant becomes bushy and full.
Provide consistent moisture and full sun. Monitor for pest damage. No fertilizer needed if soil is rich; excess nitrogen reduces grain production.
Flowering
2-3 weeksTall inflorescences emerge from the crown with drooping or upright flower spikes in deep red to burgundy, creating a dramatic columnar effect.
Reduce watering slightly to encourage flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer. Staking may be needed in windy areas for tall plants.
Grain Development
2-3 weeksFlower spikes darken to deep crimson and mature seeds develop inside tiny flowers. Panicles become heavy and may bend.
Minimize watering to allow grain to harden. Leave plants standing to dry further if possible. Cover heads loosely with netting to prevent bird loss.
Harvest
ImmediateFoliage and seed heads fully mature, darkened, and dried. Plant has completed its life cycle.
Harvest when seed heads are fully dry and stems brown. For grain harvest, cut entire heads or strip seeds when brittle and dark.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested leaves, encourage natural predators, use neem oil spray in early infestations, hand-pick larvae
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Use row covers on young seedlings, spray with insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth around base, encourage beneficial insects
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Handpick when possible, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), eliminate nearby weeds that harbor larvae, encourage natural predators
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Strong water spray to dislodge, neem oil or insecticidal soap spray, release ladybugs or lacewings, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Nutritious Grain & Flour
CulinaryAmaranth grain is complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, with 13-14% protein content. Seeds can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour for baking, or cooked as a porridge. [source]
Leafy Greens
CulinaryYoung amaranth leaves are edible and nutritious, similar to spinach with a mild flavor. Rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron; can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as greens. [source]
Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties
MedicinalAmaranth seeds and leaves contain polyphenols and antioxidants with potential cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Traditionally used in various cultures for digestive and nutritional support. [source]
Garden Focal Point & Cut Flowers
OrnamentalThe striking deep burgundy plumes create dramatic visual impact in gardens and make excellent long-lasting dried flowers for arrangements and crafts. Flowers dry naturally on the plant. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeAmaranth flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects; mature seeds feed finches and other songbirds. Excellent for supporting pollinators and wildlife habitat. [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 leafy greens, harvest outer leaves when 4-6 inches tall, starting 30-40 days from planting; plant regenerates. For grain, wait until seed heads fully dry and turn deep burgundy/brown—typically 90-110 days. Cut entire flower heads and hang upside down in a warm, dry location to finish drying (2-3 weeks), then thresh or rub seeds into a collection vessel. Seeds are ready when they fall freely from the chaff.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztecs and was so important they incorporated it into religious ceremonies; the Spanish conquistadors banned its cultivation, nearly eliminating it from cultivation for centuries.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'grain,' amaranth is not a true cereal grass—it's the seed of a broadleaf plant, making it naturally gluten-free and a complete protein source.
- 🌱 Amaranth Burgundy Ruby can produce 40,000-60,000 tiny seeds per plant, with a single seed head containing thousands of nutritious seeds small enough to use in flour and porridge.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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