How to Grow Amaranth Elephant Head
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Amaranth Elephant Head
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
vegetableAmaranth Elephant Head is a striking grain amaranth variety prized for its large, dramatic deep red flowering heads that resemble an elephant's head. This warm-season annual produces highly nutritious seeds and edible leaves, making it both ornamental and productive. It's a staple crop in many parts of the world and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
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Example Amaranth Elephant Head timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaranth Elephant Head
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 Elephant Head
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Amaranth Elephant Head 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 2-4
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Get my Amaranth Elephant Head timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with cotyledons and first true leaves; plants are 2-4 inches tall with narrow leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop 2-3 true leaves. Provide bright light and protect from cold.
Budding & Early Flowering
3-4 weeksPlant reaches full height (3-5 feet), flowering head begins to emerge and elongate, showing red coloration developing at the terminal bud
Maintain consistent watering but avoid overwatering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Watch for pests during this critical stage.
Flowering & Head Development
3-4 weeksLarge, dramatic deep red flowering head fully emerges, resembling an elephant's ear or head; dense clusters of tiny flowers cover the terminal inflorescence
Reduce watering slightly; drought stress at this stage can increase seed quality. Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support seed development. Stake tall plants if needed.
Seed Maturity & Harvest
2-3 weeksFlowering head dries and begins to turn brown/rust colored; seeds become hard and dark; leaves lower on plant may yellow and drop
Stop watering almost entirely. Allow heads to fully dry on the plant if weather permits. Harvest when seeds are hard and resist piercing with a fingernail.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand when populations are light; use row covers on young plants; spray with spinosad or neem oil if infestation is severe
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Use reflective mulches, row covers, or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Increase humidity by misting; spray forceful water to dislodge; use neem oil or sulfur in dry conditions
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Protect seedlings with cardboard collars; maintain weed-free bed; encourage ground beetles; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if necessary
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and
Remove debris and dense vegetation; hand-pick; use copper tape barriers; beer traps; encourage natural predators
Uses
Nutritious Grain & Flour
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids and are naturally gluten-free. Seeds can be popped like popcorn, cooked whole as a porridge, or ground into high-protein flour for baking. [source]
Leafy Green Vegetable
CulinaryYoung amaranth leaves are edible and nutritious, similar to spinach but with a slightly earthier flavor. They can be steamed, sautéed, added to soups, or eaten raw in salads when tender. [source]
Traditional & Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalAmaranth has been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation and support digestive health. Its high mineral content (calcium, iron, magnesium) and plant-based compounds make it valued in herbal and nutritional medicine. [source]
Ornamental Garden Feature
HouseholdThe striking deep red elephant head-shaped inflorescence is highly ornamental and dramatic in garden landscapes, adding bold color and texture to beds and borders. [source]
Bird Food & Habitat
WildlifeSeeds are attractive to finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds. Leaving mature heads in the garden provides natural winter food for wildlife while supporting biodiversity. [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 grain harvest, wait until the head is fully dry and brown (late summer to early fall), then cut the entire head and place in a paper bag to fully dry indoors. Rub heads between hands to release seeds and winnow away chaff using a fan or natural breeze. For leaf harvesting, pick young leaves anytime during the growing season when plants are 6+ inches tall; harvest from the top down to encourage bushier growth. Leaves are most tender and nutritious before flowering begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth Elephant Head gets its name from the distinctive shape of its flowering head, which resembles an elephant's ear or the head of an elephant in profile.
- 🌱 Aztecs considered amaranth a sacred crop and called it 'huautli,' using it as a staple grain for over 8,000 years before Spanish conquest nearly eliminated the crop.
- 🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce up to 40,000 seeds, making it extremely productive for grain harvesting and explaining its historical importance as a famine-resistant crop.
Gardening Terms
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