How to Grow Golden Giant Amaranthus
Wikimedia Commons
Golden Giant Amaranthus
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
vegetableGolden Giant Amaranthus is a tall, dramatic grain amaranth variety prized for its large, golden-bronze grain heads and nutritious seeds. This heat-loving annual produces abundant foliage that can be eaten as a nutritious green, while the grain heads provide a complete protein source. It's both ornamental and highly productive, making it an excellent dual-purpose garden plant.
When should you plant Golden Giant Amaranthus in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Golden Giant Amaranthus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Golden Giant Amaranthus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Golden Giant Amaranthus
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Giant Amaranthus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; prefers warm conditions (75-95°F) and is extremely heat-tolerant
Sign up free to see if Golden Giant Amaranthus grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Golden Giant Amaranthus timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing; very vulnerable to cold and competition
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Protect from direct wind initially.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid growth phase with tall stems developing; leaves are vibrant green and harvestable; plant reaches 3-6 feet tall depending on variety and conditions
Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch top leaves regularly for continuous greens harvest. Monitor for pests. Provide support stakes if in windy areas.
Flowering & Head Formation
3-4 weeksDense grain panicles form at the top and along the stem; characteristically golden-bronze coloration appears; plant reaches full height (4-5 feet for Golden Giant)
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage grain development over foliage. Continue watering during dry spells but reduce frequency. Do not harvest leaves during this stage.
Grain Development & Ripening
3-4 weeksSeeds develop within the grain heads; heads darken to deeper bronze-gold; seeds become hard and difficult to crush with fingernail
Minimize watering to allow seeds to dry on the plant. Stop fertilizing completely. Watch for seed shattering in late ripening stages.
Harvest Ready
Ready at 90-120 daysGrain heads fully mature with deep golden-bronze color; seeds are hard and rattle within the panicle; some lower foliage may brown
Cut entire plant when grain is fully ripe. Hang in dry location for 2-3 weeks to finish drying. Thresh and winnow to separate grain from chaff.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Row covers on seedlings; neem oil spray; hand-pick adults; encourage beneficial insects
-
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; ensure adequate humidity; sulfur spray if needed
-
Row covers until plants are established; neem oil; kaolin clay spray; remove plant debris
-
Cutworm collars around seedlings; remove plant debris; encourage ground beetles; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
-
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
Uses
Nutritious Grain
CulinaryGolden Giant seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making them an excellent meat substitute. The grain can be popped like popcorn, cooked as a breakfast cereal, ground into flour for baking, or sprouted for added nutrition. [source]
Nutritious Greens
CulinaryYoung leaves are edible and highly nutritious, containing vitamins A, C, and K along with minerals like calcium and iron. They can be steamed, stir-fried, added to salads, or used in soups with a mild, spinach-like flavor. [source]
Nutritional & Medicinal Properties
MedicinalAmaranth has been used in traditional medicine and is known to help reduce inflammation and support heart health due to its high content of heart-healthy oils and compounds. The grain is naturally gluten-free, making it valuable for those with celiac disease. [source]
Dramatic Garden Display
OrnamentalWith its tall 4-5 foot stature and striking golden-bronze grain heads, Golden Giant makes a stunning ornamental accent in gardens. The architectural form and color work beautifully as a backdrop planting or dried arrangement. [source]
Beneficial Seed Source
WildlifeAmaranth seeds left on the plant provide excellent late-season nutrition for birds and beneficial insects. Allowing some plants to mature fully without harvesting supports pollinators and songbirds. [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 greens: Harvest leaves when 4-6 inches long, starting at 40-50 days; pinch top leaves to encourage bushiness. For grain: Wait until heads are fully golden-bronze and seeds are hard (around day 100-120). Cut entire plant and hang upside-down in a dry, airy location for 2-3 weeks. Once completely dry, rub heads between hands over a container to thresh; winnow by dropping grain from a height to remove chaff. Store dried grain in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztecs and is still considered a culturally significant grain in Mexico and South America, where it's used to make traditional candies and breakfast dishes.
- 🌱 A single Golden Giant amaranth plant can produce 30,000-60,000 seeds, making it one of the most productive plants per square foot of garden space.
- 🌱 Amaranth is one of the few plant-based complete proteins (containing all nine essential amino acids), rivaling quinoa and making it a valuable crop for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Golden Giant Amaranthus planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Golden Giant Amaranthus seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Golden Giant Amaranthus timeline →