How to Grow Amaranthus 'Inca Red'
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Amaranthus 'Inca Red'
Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Inca Red'
vegetableAmaranthus 'Inca Red' is a striking grain amaranth variety prized for its deep burgundy-red foliage and dense flower heads that produce nutritious seeds. The plant grows 3-5 feet tall with ornamental appeal and is cultivated for both its edible grain and nutritious leaves. This heirloom variety from the Inca civilizations is gluten-free and exceptionally nutrient-dense.
When should you plant Amaranthus 'Inca Red' in your zone?
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Example Amaranthus 'Inca Red' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaranthus 'Inca Red'
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 Amaranthus 'Inca Red'
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Amaranthus 'Inca Red' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; performs as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with narrow cotyledons; initial foliage is light green. Plants develop their first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Protect from strong wind.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants rapidly grow 1-2 feet tall with characteristic deep red-burgundy coloring intensifying on stems and leaf veins. Leaves are broad, lance-shaped, and highly nutritious.
Water moderately; apply mulch to retain soil moisture. Begin harvesting outer leaves if desired for greens. Avoid excessive nitrogen which delays grain maturation.
Flowering & Inflorescence Development
3-4 weeksTerminal flower heads (panicles) form at the top of the plant, appearing as dense, deep crimson-red spikes. Secondary smaller heads may develop along the stems. Plant reaches full height of 3-5 feet.
Reduce watering to encourage seed set. Stop harvesting leaves to allow plant energy to focus on grain production. Provide support if winds are strong.
Seed Development & Ripening
3-4 weeksFlower heads become heavy with developing seeds; coloring remains vibrant deep red. Seeds develop from tiny flowers within the panicle structure. Heads may droop as seeds mature.
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings. Do not fertilize at this stage. Watch for birds and cover heads with mesh netting if predation is an issue.
Harvest & Drying
2-3 weeksSeed heads dry to darker burgundy-brown; seeds are hard and glossy. Leaves may yellow; plant begins to senesce.
Cut seed heads when nearly dry and before they shatter. Hang heads upside down in a dry, warm location for 2-3 weeks to fully dry. Thresh to remove seeds from chaff.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water or neem oil; maintain adequate humidity; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
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Hand-pick or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); encourage natural predators; row covers for seedlings
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected leaves; apply copper fungicide if severe
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Cover ripening seed heads with netting; use bird scare devices; plant extra for sharing
Uses
Ancient Grain & Nutritional Powerhouse
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are gluten-free and can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour for baking, or cooked as a nutritious cereal. The leaves are consumed as a protein-rich vegetable similar to spinach, with a mild, pleasant flavor. [source]
Mineral-Rich Traditional Medicine
MedicinalBoth seeds and leaves contain exceptional levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, traditionally used to support bone health and address nutritional deficiencies. Amaranth is employed in traditional medicine systems across the Americas and Asia. [source]
Natural Food Coloring & Dye
HouseholdThe deep red pigments (betalains and anthocyanins) in 'Inca Red' have been used historically as a natural food colorant and textile dye. The seed heads and foliage can impart burgundy hues to water or other preparations. [source]
Ornamental & Dried Arrangements
CraftThe striking burgundy-red flower spikes retain their color when dried and are prized for floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts. The plants themselves provide dramatic garden color throughout the growing season. [source]
Seed Source for Birds & Pollinators
WildlifeThe abundant seeds attract songbirds, finches, and other wildlife; small insects and pollinators visit the flowers. Leaving seed heads standing through fall and winter provides crucial winter bird food. [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: Cut entire flower heads when they begin to dry and turn brown at the base (typically late August-September in most regions). Hang heads upside down indoors for 2-3 weeks to fully dry, then thresh by rubbing heads between gloved hands over a large bowl or bucket to separate seeds from chaff. For fresh leaves: Harvest outer leaves anytime after plants are 6-8 inches tall; leaves are most tender when young. Both seeds and leaves are edible raw or cooked.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranthus 'Inca Red' was a sacred crop of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, valued as highly as corn and beans. The Aztecs called it 'huautli' and used it in religious ceremonies and as a warrior's food.
- 🌱 The entire plant is edible—seeds, leaves, stems, and flower buds—making it one of the most utilized edible plants in terms of plant parts.
- 🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds, making it an exceptionally prolific crop for seed saving and sustained harvests.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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