How to Grow Amaranth Inca Gold

Amaranth Inca Gold

Amaranthus caudatus

vegetable

Amaranth Inca Gold is a striking grain amaranth variety prized for its dramatic golden-yellow plumes and nutritious seeds. This ancient crop produces edible grains rich in protein and can reach 4-6 feet tall, making it an ornamental as well as functional addition to the garden. Both the leaves and seeds are edible, offering versatility in the kitchen.

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Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; more sun increases seed production and intensity of golden color

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Water: Moderate watering; requires consistent moisture during establishment and growth, but drought-tolerant once established. Water 1-2 inches per week; reduce watering as plants mature

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch (seeds are tiny; sow directly and keep moist until germination)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Balanced fertilizer (avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over grain)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-10, but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones 3-4

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seeds sprout in 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with small cotyledons and initial true leaves. Plants are delicate and tender.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they reach 2-3 inches tall. Provide protection from strong winds and heavy rain.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid height increase with lush green foliage development. Leaves are edible and palatable during this stage. Plants can reach 2-3 feet.

Ensure consistent watering and adequate sunlight. Side-dress with compost if growth appears sluggish. Thin seedlings now if not done earlier.

Flowering & Plume Development

3-4 weeks

Golden-yellow flower spikes (panicles) emerge from the top and sides of the plant. The distinctive drooping or upright plumes develop their characteristic color and shape.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage seed development over foliage. Maintain moderate watering. Stake tall plants if in windy locations. Plant height reaches 4-6 feet.

Seed Maturation & Grain Ripening

3-4 weeks

Plumes become denser and heavier as seeds develop and mature. Golden color deepens and intensifies. Seeds transition from soft to hard.

Reduce watering as seeds mature. Allow foliage to dry out somewhat to encourage seed hardening. Monitor for pests attracted to ripening seeds.

Harvest Ready

Ready for harvest

Plumes are completely golden, dense with mature seeds. Foliage begins to yellow and dry. Seeds are hard and cannot be dented by fingernail pressure.

Cut plants at the base or harvest individual plumes. Hang upside down in a warm, dry location to complete drying. Thresh seeds from dried plumes once completely dry.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Corn Beans Squash Pumpkin Melons Cucumbers Radishes Lettuce

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Brassicas (in very tight spacing) Plants requiring very high nitrogen (as amaranth is a moderate feeder)

Common Pests

Row covers over young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial predators like ladybugs
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like lacewings and ladybugs
Increase humidity and watering; spray neem oil or sulfur; remove heavily infested leaves
Hand-pick beetles; use spinosad spray; encourage predatory insects
and
Use bird netting or scare tactics as seeds mature; harvest before complete bird feeding damage occurs

Uses

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Ancient Grain & Nutritious Seed

Culinary

Amaranth Inca Gold seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making them valuable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Seeds can be popped like popcorn, cooked as a grain porridge, or ground into flour for baking. [source]

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Edible Leaves & Greens

Culinary

Young amaranth leaves are nutritious and mildly flavored, similar to spinach, and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a pot green. Harvest regularly to encourage plant bushiness. [source]

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Natural Dyes

Household

The golden-yellow plumes can be used to create natural fabric dyes, producing warm yellow and gold hues on various textile fibers. [source]

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Bird & Pollinator Food

Wildlife

Unharvested plumes attract finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds, while flowers attract bees and beneficial insects to the garden ecosystem. [source]

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Ornamental & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The striking golden-yellow plumes are highly valued in floral design and dried flower arrangements, providing dramatic vertical interest and texture. [source]

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves as needed once plants reach 12 inches tall for tender, edible greens. For seed harvest, wait until plumes are fully golden (100-120 days) and seeds are hard. Cut the entire plant at ground level or individual plumes and hang upside down in a warm, dry place for 2-3 weeks. Thresh by rubbing dried plumes between hands over a container to release seeds. Winnow to remove chaff. Store dried seeds in cool, dry conditions for up to 2 years.

Fun Facts

🌱 Amaranth Inca Gold is a descendant of amaranth varieties cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas over 8,000 years ago, where it was considered a sacred crop and staple food source.
🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce 60,000 seeds, making it one of the most prolific seed crops for home gardeners and a highly efficient food source per plant.
🌱 Amaranth was banned by Spanish conquistadors due to its cultural and ceremonial significance to indigenous peoples, leading to its near-extinction and rediscovery in modern times as an ancient superfood.

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