How to Grow Amaranth, Elephant Head
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Amaranth, Elephant Head
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
vegetableElephant Head amaranth is a striking grain and leaf amaranth variety known for its massive, dense, deep red or burgundy flower head that resembles an elephant's head. Both the grain and nutrient-dense leaves are edible, making it a dual-purpose crop. This heat-loving annual is prized in African, Asian, and Latin American cuisines for its nutritious seeds and versatile greens.
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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 Jun 26≈ 70 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; can be grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with narrow cotyledons; plants are delicate and slow-growing initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to final spacing once 2-3 inches tall. Protect from heavy rain and strong wind.
Vegetative
3-5 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and broad, waxy leaves in shades of green, burgundy, or bronze depending on variety.
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants are 12-18 inches tall. Apply balanced fertilizer mid-season. Weed regularly; mulch to retain moisture.
Flowering/Grain Development
2-3 weeksDense, columnar flower heads (inflorescences) form at the top and sometimes along the stems; Elephant Head displays deep burgundy, heavily textured plumes.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage grain set rather than excessive foliage. Stop leaf harvesting to allow plant energy to focus on seed development. Monitor for pests.
Seed Maturation
2-3 weeksFlower heads become heavier, seeds swell within the tiny fruits, and foliage begins to yellow and desiccate.
Reduce watering slightly. Do not fertilize. Allow plants to dry down naturally. Seeds are mature when heads lose glossiness and turn dull.
Harvest
Varies by drying conditionsPlants are fully dry, heads are papery, and seeds are hard and cannot be easily crushed with fingernail.
Cut entire heads or pull plants and hang upside down in a warm, dry location to finish drying. Thresh seeds by rubbing heads vigorously.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use row covers on young plants. Neem oil or spinosad for heavy infestations.
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Row covers during seedling stage. Diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soap. Remove alternative hosts (wild amaranth).
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Encourage beneficial predators.
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Increase humidity; mist plants. Miticide or neem oil if severe.
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Cutworm collars around seedlings; diatomaceous earth; remove debris.
Uses
Nutritious Whole Grain
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are gluten-free and can be popped like popcorn, cooked as a porridge, or ground into flour for baking. The grain is exceptionally high in protein (13-14%), lysine, and micronutrients like magnesium and iron. [source]
Leafy Greens (Calaloo)
CulinaryYoung leaves are tender and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. In Caribbean and African cuisines, they are a staple ingredient in calaloo. Leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, folate, and calcium. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, amaranth leaf tea and seed preparations are used to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and address anemia. Modern research explores its potential to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. [source]
Natural Dye
HouseholdThe deep burgundy pigments in certain amaranth varieties (including Elephant Head) can be extracted and used as a natural dye for fabrics and crafts. [source]
Seed Source for Birds
WildlifeAllowing flower heads to mature and dry on the plant provides food for finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds, supporting 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
Harvest leaves continuously once plants are 12+ inches tall, pinching from the top to encourage bushiness. For grain, wait until heads are dry and papery (late September through October in most zones). Cut entire heads with scissors or pull whole plants and hang to cure in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. Thresh by rubbing heads vigorously between hands or over a fine screen to separate seeds from chaff.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztecs and Incas; it has been cultivated for over 8,000 years and remains central to food security in parts of Africa and Asia.
- 🌱 The name 'Elephant Head' refers to the distinctive large, drooping flower head that resembles an elephant's ear or head when fully mature, making it as ornamental as it is productive.
- 🌱 Amaranth is an 'orphan crop'—underutilized despite exceptional nutritional density—and is gaining attention from researchers as a climate-resilient, drought-tolerant superfood for future food security.
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