How to Grow Red Meat (Amaranth)
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Red Meat (Amaranth)
Amaranthus tricolor
vegetableRed Meat is a striking ornamental amaranth variety prized for its deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage that creates a dramatic visual impact in gardens. The leaves are edible and highly nutritious, offering a mild, spinach-like flavor with a tender texture. It's a warm-season annual that thrives in hot weather and produces seed heads that can also be harvested for grain.
When should you plant Red Meat (Amaranth) in your zone?
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Example Red Meat (Amaranth) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Meat (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 Red Meat (Amaranth)
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Meat (Amaranth) dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; performs best in warm zones 5-10
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging; very small and delicate
Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart to reduce competition. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light if growing indoors.
Vegetative/Foliage Development
3-4 weeksRapid growth of distinctive red, burgundy, and purple leaves; plant reaches 2-4 feet tall
Water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage leaf production. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Flowering/Seed Head Formation
3-4 weeksPlants develop characteristic upright flower spikes and branching seed heads; foliage remains vibrant
Continue regular watering and reduce nitrogen to encourage seed development. Allow some seed heads to mature if you want to save seeds.
Grain/Seed Maturity
2-3 weeksSeed heads become denser and more prominent; leaves may begin to fade slightly
Water sparingly if growing primarily for seeds. Check seed heads for maturity by rubbing them gently; seeds should be firm and difficult to separate.
Harvest Ready
Ongoing until frostLeaves remain tender throughout season; seed heads fully mature with hard seeds
Harvest leaves continuously for best flavor and to encourage continued growth. Cut or pick mature seed heads before frost for grain harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide or neem oil for heavy infestations
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and
Hand-pick; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around base
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Water at soil level, not on leaves; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if needed; improve air circulation
Uses
Leafy Green Vegetable
CulinaryRed Meat leaves are edible raw in salads or cooked like spinach. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when young, making them versatile for sautéing, steaming, or adding to soups and stews. [source]
Grain Production
CulinaryThe seeds are edible and nutritious, containing complete proteins and all essential amino acids. They can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked as a grain similar to quinoa. [source]
Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalBoth leaves and seeds are exceptionally rich in vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium), and antioxidants. Traditionally used to support overall health and vitality. [source]
Ornamental Display
CraftRed Meat amaranth is grown for its stunning deep red and burgundy foliage and dramatic seed heads, making it an excellent ornamental addition to gardens and flower arrangements. [source]
Bird and Pollinator Food Source
WildlifeThe abundant seed heads attract finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds. Flowers also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. [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 greens, harvest leaves when 4-8 inches long by pinching off top growth; continuous harvesting promotes bushier plants. For seed grain, wait until seed heads dry and turn papery; cut entire head, allow to dry indoors, then thresh seeds by rubbing heads between palms. Harvest leaves before first frost; seeds can be left until plant naturally desiccates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaranth was a staple crop of the Aztecs and has been cultivated for over 8,000 years; it was called 'huautli' and believed to have supernatural powers.
- 🌱 Red Meat amaranth seeds are smaller than a grain of sand—a single plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds, making it incredibly productive for minimal space.
- 🌱 The leaves contain higher levels of certain nutrients than spinach and other common greens, and both leaves and seeds are naturally gluten-free, making them excellent for alternative diets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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