How to Grow Pigweed
Pigweed
Amaranthus species
vegetablePigweed is a fast-growing annual plant with edible leaves and seeds that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It's highly nutritious, drought-tolerant, and produces abundant foliage and grain. The plant is also known as amaranth and is considered both a valuable crop and a persistent garden weed depending on context.
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Example Pigweed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pigweed
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 Pigweed
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pigweed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; prefers warm weather and grows best in zones 5-10
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Get my Pigweed timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, plant is 1-2 inches tall with soft, tender leaves
Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing early; protect from wind and excessive heat if young
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple leaves and robust stems; reaches 6-18 inches tall depending on variety and spacing
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall for continuous leafy production; water regularly; apply light fertilizer if needed
Flowering & Seed Head Development
2-3 weeksPlant bolts and produces terminal flower spikes; plant height reaches 2-5 feet; flower spikes develop distinctive color (red, pink, yellow, or purple depending on variety)
Stop harvesting leaves once flowering begins if growing for seed; allow flowers to fully develop; reduce watering slightly
Seed Maturation
2-4 weeksFlower spikes dry and become brown or tan; seeds develop and become hard and shiny; foliage may yellow
Stop all watering; avoid overhead irrigation to prevent seed loss; monitor for pest damage; allow to dry completely
Harvest
Harvest periodSeeds are fully mature and dry; ready for threshing and collection
Harvest when seed heads are completely brown and brittle; cut entire flower spikes and dry further if needed before threshing
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide in severe cases
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Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs
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Remove by hand; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); use pheromone traps
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply copper fungicide if severe
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryYoung pigweed leaves are edible and highly nutritious, used fresh in salads or cooked like spinach. The leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. [source]
Grain & Seed Production
CulinaryPigweed seeds are a complete protein source and can be popped like popcorn, cooked as a grain porridge, or ground into flour for baking. One plant produces thousands of edible seeds. [source]
Traditional Health Use
MedicinalAmaranth has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both leaves and seeds contain beneficial compounds. [source]
Dye Production
HouseholdRed and purple pigweed varieties produce natural dyes that can be extracted from stems, leaves, and seeds for textile dyeing. [source]
Bird Food & Wildlife Support
WildlifePigweed seeds are valuable food for songbirds and wildlife. Allowing plants to mature provides excellent habitat and winter food source for native species. [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 leafy greens, begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall and continue throughout vegetative stage by pinching or cutting the top 2-3 inches. For seeds, wait until flower spikes are completely brown and dry (typically late summer/fall), then cut entire heads and hang upside down in a dry location to finish drying. Thresh seeds by rubbing dried heads between hands or in a cloth to release seeds. Seeds are ready to eat raw, cooked, or ground into flour.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pigweed has been cultivated for over 8,000 years, originating in Mesoamerica alongside corn and beans as part of the 'Three Sisters' agricultural system.
- 🌱 A single pigweed plant can produce between 100,000 to 500,000 seeds, making it one of the most prolific seed producers in the plant kingdom.
- 🌱 Amaranth grain was so important to the Aztec civilization that the Spanish conquistadors banned its cultivation to suppress indigenous culture and religion.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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