Amaranth — Grow Guide — Holly's Homestead

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Sun

Full sun

Water

Low–moderate, drought-tolerant

Soil pH

6.0–7.5

Spacing

20–30cm

Depth

0.5cm

01Grain and leafy green in one plant

Amaranth is unusual in offering two harvests from one planting — pick young leaves as a nutritious green through the season, then let some plants mature fully for a grain harvest.

02Planting

Method

Direct sow, surface sown, needs light to germinate.

Soil

Tolerant of poor soil; free-draining preferred.

Timing

Sow after frost risk passes.

03Growing care

Thin as seedlings establish if grown densely for leaf.
Water while establishing, then rely mostly on rainfall — quite drought-tolerant.
Harvest leaves regularly from a portion of the crop.
Let remaining plants mature fully for a grain harvest.

04Problems

Very few pests — a hardy, easy crop.
Bird competition for grain — net maturing seed heads if harvesting for yourself.
Self-seeding beyond bounds — harvest before full seed drop if containment matters.
Waterlogging — ensure reasonable drainage.

05Harvest & storage

Signs

For grain: seed heads dry and seeds fall easily when rubbed. For leaf: pick young, tender leaves anytime.

Method

For grain: bend heads over a container and rub to release seed.

Curing

Dry seed thoroughly before storing.

Storage

Grain: airtight, cool, dark, many months. Leaves: fridge a few days.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby

CornBeans

Avoid nearby

None major

Rotation note

Rotate loosely; not a heavy feeder.