How to Grow Blood Amaranth
iNaturalist
Blood Amaranth
Amaranthus cruentus
vegetableBlood amaranth is a striking ornamental and edible plant prized for its deep crimson-red foliage and drooping flower spikes. The entire plant—leaves, stems, and grain—can be consumed, making it both nutritious and visually dramatic in the garden. It thrives in warm climates and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
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Example Blood Amaranth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blood Amaranth
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 Blood Amaranth
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones 5-8 if planted after frost danger passes
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with reddish cotyledons and small, elongated true leaves. Plant appears delicate but grows rapidly in warm conditions.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear. Provide bright light if starting indoors.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant develops distinctive deep red foliage and sturdy stems. Leaves become larger and more deeply colored, creating dramatic visual appeal.
Thin to final spacing to reduce competition. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks or use compost tea.
Flowering
4-8 weeksLong, drooping crimson inflorescences (grain spikes) develop at plant terminals and axils. Flowers are tiny and densely packed on the pendulous spikes.
Continue harvesting young leaves if desired for tender greens. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage grain development. Flowers are self-pollinating.
Grain Development
3-5 weeksFlower spikes mature and fill with tiny, nutrient-dense seeds. Spikes remain deep red or may shift to burgundy-brown as they dry.
Reduce watering as plants transition to grain maturity. Monitor for pests during seed development. Do not harvest leaves heavily; prioritize grain production.
Harvest Ready
Ready at 120-150 daysPlants reach full maturity with dried grain spikes that bend under their own weight. Foliage may yellow slightly as plant senesces.
Harvest grain spikes when fully dry and seeds are hard (cannot be dented by fingernail). Cut entire spike or strip seeds into a container. Allow final dried spikes to cure indoors.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial predators
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Strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs and lacewings
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Remove affected stems promptly; maintain plant vigor through proper watering and fertilization
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil in severe infestations
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Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage native parasitic wasps
Uses
Nutritious Grain and Leaves
CulinaryBlood amaranth grain is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent gluten-free staple. Young leaves can be cooked like spinach, added to salads, or used in curries and stir-fries. [source]
Puffed Grain and Flour
CulinaryAmaranth seeds can be popped like popcorn for a nutritious snack or ground into flour for baking. The puffed grain is a delicious addition to granola, salads, and breakfast cereals. [source]
Traditional Nutrition Support
MedicinalBlood amaranth has been used in traditional medicine to support immune health and general vitality. It is rich in minerals including iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. [source]
Natural Food Coloring
HouseholdThe deep red pigments in blood amaranth can be extracted and used as a natural dye for fabrics or a food-safe colorant for culinary applications. [source]
Seed for Birds
WildlifeAllowing amaranth plants to fully mature and drop seeds attracts finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds to the garden, supporting local wildlife. [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 tender leaves and stems, harvest when plants are 6-12 inches tall by pinching off top 2-3 inches or removing outer leaves; this encourages bushier growth. For grain production, allow plants to mature fully, then cut flower spikes when completely dry and seeds are hard. Spread spikes indoors on paper to cure and dry completely before threshing seeds. Plants will self-seed if allowed to mature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blood amaranth was a staple grain in pre-Columbian Aztec and Mayan civilizations and was revered as a sacred food; the plant's Latin name 'cruentus' means 'bloodstained,' reflecting its dramatic deep red color.
- 🌱 A single amaranth plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds, making it an exceptionally productive grain crop even in poor soil conditions.
- 🌱 The leaves, stems, and grain of blood amaranth are all edible and highly nutritious, offering a complete plant-to-table harvesting strategy in a single ornamental plant.
Gardening Terms
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