Grain Amaranth

Grain amaranth is a warm-season pseudocereal grown for its tiny nutritious seeds. Use a grain cultivar rather than an ornamental type in well-drained soil with moderate fertility.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Keep moist through establishment and grain filling; avoid waterlogging

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

90–120 days

Tips

• Sow about 1/8–1/4 inch deep after frost in warm soil; thin to 12–18 inches or the seed packet spacing.
• Keep the surface moist until emergence and control weeds while seedlings are small.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces tall floppy plants and can delay maturity.
• Support tall stems in exposed sites and protect heads from birds.
• Rub a head to test whether mature seed releases; cut before shattering, dry, thresh and clean with fine screens.