How to Grow Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth

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Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth

Amaranthus tricolor / Amaranthus hypochondriacus

vegetable

A vibrant mix of traditional Asian and heirloom amaranth varieties prized for their striking ornamental foliage and nutritious edible leaves and seeds. These plants feature colorful leaves ranging from deep reds and purples to greens and golds, making them as beautiful in the garden as they are versatile in the kitchen. Both leaf amaranths (A. tricolor) and grain amaranths (A. hypochondriacus) are included, offering multiple harvesting options.

Looking for a specific variety?

Hinn Red Leaf Elephant Head Golden Giant Inca Red Tampala Red Garnet

When should you plant Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth in your zone?

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Example Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth
Around Jun 6

≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Asian Heirloom Mix Amaranth dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; more sun intensifies leaf color

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root development. Drought-tolerant once established but yields better with regular moisture during growing season.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart depending on variety; thin seedlings to prevent crowding inches

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Days to maturity: 50-80 days for leaf harvest; 120-150 days for seed production

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch; seeds are tiny and prefer light coverage

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over seeds

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-10; grows as annual in cool climates, perennial potential in zones 10-11

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

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny leaves emerge within 7-10 days; seedlings are delicate with 2-4 true leaves visible

Keep soil warm (70-85°F optimal) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings. Thin overcrowded seedlings early; thinned greens are edible.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid leaf expansion with characteristic colors deepening; plant develops 6-12 inches in height with visible leaf variegation becoming pronounced

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 8-10 inches tall. Water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Remove competing weeds.

Flowering & Seed Production

4-6 weeks

Dense flower spikes (inflorescences) emerge from stem terminals; grain varieties produce dramatic upright or drooping seed heads; ornamental value peaks

For seed harvest, allow flowers to mature fully and dry on plant. Stop harvesting leaves to redirect energy to seed production. Protect from birds with netting if desired.

Seed Maturation & Harvest-Ready

2-3 weeks

Seed heads darken and dry; seeds become hard and fall readily when rubbed; foliage may begin to senesce

Cut seed heads when fully dry and brown; thresh and winnow to separate seeds. Store dried seeds in cool, dry conditions. Entire plant can be dried for seed harvest.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Corn Tomatoes Beans Squash Marigolds Nasturtiums

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Brassicas (may compete for nutrients)

Common Pests

Hand-pick beetles; use row covers on seedlings; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage native predators
Use floating row covers; spray with neem oil; diatomaceous earth; plant resistant varieties
Increase humidity with foliar misting; spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or miticide if severe
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; beer traps; copper barriers; remove debris hiding spots
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators

Uses

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Nutritious Leafy Green

Culinary

Young amaranth leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like calcium and iron. Use raw in salads or cooked like spinach in stir-fries, soups, and curries; common in Asian and African cuisines. [source]

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Grain & Seeds

Culinary

Tiny seeds are packed with complete protein, all nine essential amino acids, and fiber. Pop seeds like popcorn, toast and sprinkle on dishes, grind into flour, or cook as porridge; gluten-free ancient grain. [source]

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Traditional Folk Medicine

Medicinal

Amaranth leaves and seeds have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen blood. Modern research explores its potential in managing blood sugar and cholesterol. [source]

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Natural Dye Source

Household

Deep red and purple varieties produce vibrant dyes for fabric and craft projects. Leaves and seeds contain betalain and anthocyanin pigments useful in natural dye extraction. [source]

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Bird & Pollinator Food

Wildlife

Seed heads attract finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds in fall and winter. Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects throughout the blooming season. [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 leaf harvest: Pick outer leaves when plant is 8-10 inches tall, allowing inner leaves to continue growing; harvest regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to encourage bushiness and prevent bolting. Leaves are tender and best when young. For seed harvest: Allow entire plant to dry on plant or cut seed heads when brown and dry; thresh and winnow to separate seeds; seeds store 3-4 years in cool, dry conditions. Best flavor and nutrition in young leaves; older leaves become slightly bitter.

Fun Facts

🌱 Amaranth was a sacred crop of the Aztecs and has been cultivated for over 8,000 years; it was banned by Spanish conquistadors but has experienced a modern revival as a superfood.
🌱 Despite being called a grain and cooked like one, amaranth is botanically a seed and is technically gluten-free, making it valuable for those with celiac disease.
🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce 60,000+ seeds, making it extremely efficient for seed-saving and explaining its historical importance as a survival crop in harsh climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Compost Full Sun Heirloom True Leaves

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