How to Grow Summer Wind
Wikimedia Commons
Summer Wind
Amaranthus × hybridus 'Summer Wind'
flowerSummer Wind is a stunning ornamental amaranth cultivar prized for its dramatic foliage that transitions from green to vibrant red, orange, and burgundy hues as temperatures warm. This tender annual reaches 3-4 feet tall and produces delicate, feathery flower spikes alongside its spectacular colored leaves. It's an excellent choice for adding bold color and vertical interest to summer gardens and containers.
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Example Summer Wind timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Summer Wind
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 Summer Wind blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Summer Wind dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10 as a warm-season annual; perennial in zones 9-10
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Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout with emergence of cotyledons and first true leaves appearing as tiny, elongated structures.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F). Provide bright light immediately after emergence.
Seedling/Vegetative
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop their first true leaves and grow to 3-6 inches tall with narrow, green foliage. Early leaf coloration may begin in some cultivars.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Water moderately. Begin fertilizing with diluted balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if grown indoors.
Establishment
3-4 weeksPlants reach 12-18 inches tall and foliage begins its dramatic color transition. Green leaves gradually show red, orange, and burgundy tones, particularly at leaf tips and margins.
Increase watering slightly as plants grow larger. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage deeper coloring. Stake taller varieties if growing in windy locations.
Peak Color & Flowering
4-6 weeksPlants reach full height (3-4 feet) with intense foliage coloration and the emergence of delicate, feathery flower spikes in reds and golds.
Maintain consistent watering. Deadhead spent flowers if desired, though flowers are ornamental. Full sun exposure maximizes color intensity.
Late Season/Decline
Until first frostFoliage color intensifies further in cooler temperatures. Plants remain ornamental until frost damage occurs.
Continue regular watering. In frost-prone areas, monitor weather forecasts. Allow flowers to remain if seeds are desired for self-sowing next year.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Increase humidity and air circulation. Remove heavily infested foliage.
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Hand-pick when populations are small. Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil if infestation is heavy.
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Use cutworm collars around seedlings. Water early morning to discourage evening feeding. Remove garden debris.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Yellow sticky traps. Spray undersides of leaves with neem oil. Improve air circulation around plants.
Uses
Garden Border & Focal Point
OrnamentalSummer Wind serves as an eye-catching focal point in garden beds and borders, providing dramatic vertical color that transitions throughout the season. Its height and foliage color make it perfect for mid-to-back row planting in mixed borders. [source]
Cut & Dried Flowers
HouseholdThe delicate flower spikes are excellent for fresh and dried floral arrangements. Dried Summer Wind flowers maintain their color for months and add texture to dried bouquets and wreaths. [source]
Container Growing
HouseholdSummer Wind thrives in large containers and pots on patios and decks, bringing tropical color to smaller garden spaces. The dramatic foliage makes containers visually striking display pieces. [source]
Edible Seeds & Leaves
CulinaryAmaranth seeds are highly nutritious, containing complete protein with all essential amino acids. Both the seeds and young leaves are edible and can be cooked as greens or ground into flour. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Support
WildlifeSummer Wind flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. The seeds provide food for songbirds in fall and winter. [source]
Harvest Tips
Summer Wind is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy the plant in the garden through the growing season. For dried flowers, cut spikes when fully colored and hang upside down in a dry, airy location. For seed collection, allow flowers to fully mature and dry on the plant, then collect seed heads in fall before frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Summer Wind's dramatic color change is not due to pigment loss but rather the production of betalain pigments (the same compounds in red beets) triggered by warm temperatures and sunlight.
- 🌱 Amaranthus species have been cultivated for over 8,000 years and were a staple crop of the Aztecs. The seeds contain more protein than wheat, rice, or corn.
- 🌱 Summer Wind can self-seed prolifically; a single mature plant can produce up to 100,000 tiny seeds that remain viable in soil for several years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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