How to Grow Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding
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Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatus 'Inca Gold'
flowerInca Gold is an ornamental amaranth variety featuring vibrant golden-yellow drooping flower spikes that cascade downward, creating a striking visual effect in gardens and cut flower arrangements. This heat-loving annual grows tall and dramatic, reaching 3-4 feet in height with deep burgundy foliage that contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow flowers. The plant is both decorative and edible, producing nutritious grain-like seeds.
When should you plant Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding in your zone?
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Example Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding
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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First Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-11; grows as an annual in cooler zones 3-4
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Get my Amaranth Inca Gold Love Lies Bleeding timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge with narrow true leaves. Plants are delicate and slow-growing initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid stem elongation with increasing leaf size. Dark burgundy-red foliage becomes prominent; plant develops its characteristic tall, branching structure.
Maintain consistent spacing. Water during dry spells. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Support tall varieties with stakes if needed in windy areas.
Flowering Initiation
2-3 weeksTerminal flower spikes begin to form at the top and in axils along the stems. Golden-yellow color starts to develop on emerging panicles.
Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage. Continue regular watering. Begin deadheading side flowers if you want to emphasize the main terminal spike.
Full Flowering
4-8 weeksDramatic drooping golden-yellow flower spikes are fully extended, creating the characteristic 'love lies bleeding' weeping effect. Flowers attract pollinators and hummingbirds.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Deadhead spent lower flowers to promote continued upper flower production. Stake plants if needed for support under flower weight.
Seed Development and Harvest
3-4 weeksFlowers fade; seed pods develop along the drooping spikes. Seeds mature to brown-tan color. Foliage may show stress in late summer.
Stop deadheading to allow seed maturation. Reduce watering slightly. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown and seeds easily rub free from pods. Allow to fully dry before storing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations are severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Remove by hand on small plants; spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase air circulation.
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Use row covers on young plants; apply kaolin clay or insecticidal soap. Remove affected leaves early.
Uses
Grain and Seeds
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making them valuable for vegetarians and vegans. The seeds can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as a grain side dish. [source]
Leafy Greens
CulinaryYoung amaranth leaves are edible and nutritious, similar to spinach or chard, with a mild flavor. They can be steamed, sautéed, or added raw to salads. [source]
Cut and Dried Flowers
HouseholdThe dramatic golden drooping spikes are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and dry exceptionally well for long-lasting dried bouquets and crafts. Dried flowers retain their color and structure for months. [source]
Pollinator and Hummingbird Plant
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. Seeds also feed songbirds in fall. [source]
Nutritional and Traditional Medicine
MedicinalAmaranth is high in fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. Traditionally used in some cultures to support digestion and overall wellness. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flower spikes for fresh or dried arrangements at peak color, typically mid-summer through early fall. Cut stems in early morning when fully turgid. For seed harvesting, wait until seed heads turn brown and papery (late fall); cut entire panicles and hang upside down in a dry location to complete drying. Rub dried seed heads over a collection surface to release seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'love lies bleeding' comes from the drooping, blood-red flower spikes that appear to weep downward—in the 'Inca Gold' variety, golden-yellow flowers create the same dramatic cascading effect.
- 🌱 Amaranth has been cultivated for over 8,000 years and was a staple crop of the Aztec and Inca civilizations. 'Inca Gold' honors this heritage with both its name and exceptional productivity.
- 🌱 Amaranth grain is gluten-free and was revived as a modern superfood despite being virtually forgotten in Western cuisine for centuries after the Spanish conquest of the Americas.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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