How to Grow Brilliantissima Amaranth
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Brilliantissima Amaranth
Amaranthus tricolor 'Brilliantissima'
vegetableBrilliantissima is a stunning ornamental amaranth cultivar prized for its vibrant red and golden foliage that creates a dramatic visual display in gardens. The plant produces edible leaves with a mild, spinach-like flavor and can reach 3-4 feet tall. It combines beauty with functionality, serving as both an ornamental accent and a nutritious leafy green.
When should you plant Brilliantissima Amaranth in your zone?
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Example Brilliantissima Amaranth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Brilliantissima 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 Brilliantissima Amaranth
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brilliantissima Amaranth dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as a warm-season annual; prefers warm temperatures above 50°F
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Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with two small cotyledons (seed leaves); foliage initially green
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist; provide bright light to prevent legginess; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with elongated leaves; red and golden coloration begins to appear on newer growth and leaf undersides
Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure; pinch back growing tips if bushier growth is desired; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
Color Development
2-3 weeksBrilliant red, orange, and golden hues intensify across upper and lower leaf surfaces; plant reaches full size; coloration is most vibrant in cool nights (below 60°F)
Continue regular watering and feeding; ensure full sun for peak color; reduce nitrogen slightly if color development is delayed
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall, inconspicuous flowers appear in dense terminal spikes; foliage color remains stable; plant may produce seed heads
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering; deadhead flower spikes if foliage display is the priority
Harvest/Maturity
4-8 weeks until frostPlant is fully mature and produces continuously if leaves are harvested regularly; maintains vibrant coloration
Pick outer leaves regularly to encourage new tender growth; can continue harvesting until first frost; remove entire plant for composting after frost
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate humidity
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove by hand; apply diatomaceous earth; create copper barriers; use slug traps
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Handpick; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial predators; row covers for seedlings
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Handpick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); apply neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Edible leafy green
CulinaryYoung leaves are tender and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Brilliantissima has a milder, less earthy flavor than standard amaranth varieties. [source]
Grain production
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids and can be harvested, dried, and ground into flour or popped like popcorn. [source]
Striking garden display
OrnamentalThe brilliant red and gold foliage makes Brilliantissima an eye-catching ornamental accent in vegetable gardens, flower borders, and container arrangements. [source]
Traditional wellness use
MedicinalAmaranth leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals including calcium and iron; traditionally used in many cultures to support overall nutrition and vitality. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftSeed heads can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts; the foliage can also be pressed for botanical art projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 12 inches tall (approximately 4-5 weeks after planting); pinch off 2-3 leaves at a time from the top to encourage bushier growth; harvest regularly to promote tender new foliage and prevent flowering; morning harvest after dew dries yields maximum crispness; continue harvesting until first frost; entire plant can be harvested at maturity and dried for seeds
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Brilliantissima's stunning color intensifies when nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F, making it even more vibrant in cooler seasons.
- 🌱 Amaranth is an ancient grain domesticated by the Aztecs over 8,000 years ago and remains a staple food in parts of Mexico, India, and Africa.
- 🌱 Despite being called a grain or vegetable, amaranth is technically a pseudocereal (like quinoa) and a dicot herb rather than a true grass.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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