How to Grow Plumed Burgundy
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Plumed Burgundy
Amaranthus cruentus 'Plumed Burgundy'
flowerPlumed Burgundy is a stunning ornamental amaranth featuring tall, dramatic plumes of deep burgundy-red flowers that resemble flowing feathers. This heat-loving annual produces vibrant drooping flower heads on sturdy stems, making it an excellent choice for dramatic late-summer and fall color in borders and arrangements. The foliage is also attractively colored in deep purple-red tones, adding to its ornamental appeal.
When should you plant Plumed Burgundy in your zone?
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Example Plumed Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Plumed Burgundy
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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First Plumed Burgundy blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Plumed Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best in zones 4-10; thrives in warm climates and reaches peak performance in zones 6-9
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Get my Plumed Burgundy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green shoots emerge with oval cotyledons; seedlings develop first true leaves with reddish tints.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and warm temperatures (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart when they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant produces sturdy main stems and lateral branches; foliage becomes increasingly dark burgundy-red. Leaves are lanceolate with purple-red veining.
Water moderately and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch back growing tips early to encourage bushier, multi-stemmed plants with more plumes.
Flowering Initiation
2-3 weeksFlower spikes begin to form at terminal and lateral stem tips, appearing as small reddish buds clustered together.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to a blooming formula (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus) to encourage flowering. Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure.
Flowering & Plume Development
4-6 weeksFull plumes emerge as drooping, feathery flower heads in deep burgundy-crimson color. Plumes elongate and deepen in color over several weeks, reaching 12-18 inches long.
Continue blooming fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Deadhead spent lateral flowers to encourage the main terminal plume to continue lengthening. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry.
Maturity & Seed Production
Continues until frostPlumes reach full size and deepest color. If left unpruned, tiny flowers on plumes produce thousands of small seeds within papery bracts.
For cut flowers, harvest plumes at peak color. For dried arrangements, allow to fully mature on the plant. If saving seeds for next year, allow plumes to brown and dry completely before collecting seed heads.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases. Ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
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Cover young plants with row covers; apply spinosad or pyrethrin sprays to affected foliage. Remove debris where beetles overwinter.
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Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings with companion plantings.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5-7 days for 2-3 weeks.
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Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering. Apply fungicide to soil if rot appears. Remove severely affected plants.
Uses
Cut & Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftPlumed Burgundy creates stunning, long-lasting arrangements both fresh and dried. The dramatic burgundy plumes retain color and structure for months when dried, making them ideal for autumn and winter décor. [source]
Edible Seeds & Grains
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are highly nutritious, containing complete protein and amino acids. The grain can be popped like popcorn, cooked as porridge, or ground into flour for baking and cooking applications. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Attraction
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to the garden. Mature seed heads provide food for finches and other seed-eating birds throughout fall and winter. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalAmaranth has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Leaves and seeds are consumed in herbal teas and nutritional supplements. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Accent
HouseholdPlumed Burgundy serves as a dramatic focal point in borders, mixed plantings, and containers, providing vertical interest and rich color from late summer through fall frost. [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 fresh or dried cut flowers, harvest plumes when they reach desired length and color (usually 85-100+ days after planting). Cut stems in early morning with a sharp knife, leaving at least 12 inches of stem. For dried arrangements, allow plumes to mature fully on the plant and turn slightly darker; cut and hang upside-down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. For seed collection, allow plumes to brown completely on plant (late fall), then cut and dry further indoors before threshing to collect seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth has been cultivated for over 8,000 years and was a staple crop of the Aztecs, who valued it for both food and ceremonial purposes. The name 'amaranth' comes from the Greek word for 'immortal,' referring to the flowers' ability to maintain their color and structure even after drying.
- 🌱 A single Plumed Burgundy plant can produce over 500,000 tiny seeds, making it incredibly prolific. These seeds are so small that 1 pound contains approximately 250,000 seeds, and they remain viable in soil for years.
- 🌱 The deep burgundy-red pigment in Plumed Burgundy comes from betalains, the same pigments found in beets and red cabbage. This natural coloring is used as a food dye in some cultures and has been studied for potential health benefits.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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