Amaranth is a versatile and resilient plant known for its vibrant foliage and nutritious grain. Originating from Central and South America, amaranth thrives in various climates, making it a favorite among gardeners and farmers. This plant boasts striking colors, from deep reds to bright greens, and can be grown indoors and outdoors. Available in multiple seed variants, amaranth is prized for its ornamental value and its edible leaves and seeds, which are rich in protein and essential nutrients. Whether you’re cultivating it for aesthetic purposes or its health benefits, amaranth seeds offer a rewarding gardening experience.
Different Types of Amaranth Seeds
Amaranth has several seed variants, each offering unique characteristics suited for different gardening needs. Here’s a list of the most used types of Amaranth Seeds.
- Red Amaranth
- Green Amaranth
- Purple Amaranth
- Golden Amaranth
- Variegated Amaranth
- Calaloo Amaranth
- African Spinach Amaranth
- Green Callaloo Amaranth
- Hopi Red Dye Amaranth
- Joseph’s Coat Amaranth
- Love-lies-bleeding Amaranth
- Prince’s Feather Amaranth
- Spleen Amaranth
- Redroot Pigweed Amaranth
- Smooth Amaranth
Where to Buy Amaranth Seeds
Choosing reputable sellers is essential to ensure quality and germination rates when purchasing Amaranth seeds. Here are our top recommendations for trusted US-based sellers.
- True Leaf Market: Offers a wide variety of high-quality seeds, including Amaranth, ensuring excellent germination and robust growth for gardeners of all levels.
- Everwilde Farms: Specializes in heirloom and unique seed varieties, providing non-GMO Amaranth seeds sustainably sourced for healthy gardening.
- Sow Right Seeds: Known for their diverse selection and reliable seed quality, Sow Right Seeds offers Amaranth seeds that are perfect for indoor and outdoor cultivation.
- Home Grown Seeds: Provides a comprehensive range of vegetable seeds, including Amaranth, focusing on customer satisfaction and seed viability.
- Survival Garden Seeds: Offers resilient Amaranth seeds designed for survival gardening, ensuring robust growth even in challenging conditions.
- Gardeners Basics: Supplies essential gardening seeds, including Amaranth, with detailed planting instructions and support for successful cultivation.
- Burpee: A trusted name in gardening, Burpee provides high-quality Amaranth seeds with a guarantee of germination and plant health.
- Purely Organic Products: Focuses on organic and non-GMO seeds, offering Amaranth seeds perfect for eco-conscious gardeners seeking sustainable options.
Benefits of Growing Amaranth
Growing Amaranth offers numerous advantages for both novice and experienced gardeners. This versatile plant enhances your garden’s aesthetic and provides practical benefits contributing to a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
- Drought Tolerance
- Fast Growth
- Nutrient-Rich
- Ornamental Value
- Soil Improvement
- Low Maintenance
- Pest Resistant
- Versatile Usage
- High Yield
- Attracts Pollinators
Health Benefits of Amaranth
Incorporating Amaranth into your diet can significantly boost your health. This nutrient-dense plant is packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall well-being and enhance various bodily functions.
- High in Protein
- Rich in Fiber
- Contains Essential Amino Acids
- Promotes Heart Health
- Supports Digestive Health
- Enhances Bone Strength
- Boosts Immune System
- Regulates Blood Sugar
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Supports Weight Management
How to Grow Amaranth Seeds Indoors
Each variant of Amaranth seeds has slightly different growing instructions, and all of the sellers we recommended include step-by-step growing instructions with their products. However, some basic instructions below will help you grow Amaranth indoors.
- Choose a Suitable Container: Select pots with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Use Quality Potting Mix: Fill containers with well-draining potting soil enriched with organic matter.
- Sow the Seeds: Plant Amaranth seeds about 1/4 inch deep, evenly across the soil surface.
- Water Gently: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until germination.
- Provide Adequate Light: Place containers in a bright location with at least 6 hours of sunlight or use grow lights.
- Maintain Temperature: Keep indoor temperatures between 65-80°F for optimal growth.
- Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to prevent overcrowding, leaving the strongest plants.
- Fertilize Regularly: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks to support healthy growth.
- Monitor for Pests: Check regularly for any signs of pests and address promptly if found.
- Harvest Carefully: Pick leaves and seeds as needed, ensuring the plant remains healthy and continues to produce.
How to Grow Amaranth Seeds Outdoors
Each variant of Amaranth seeds has slightly different growing instructions, and all of the sellers we recommended include step-by-step growing instructions with their products. However, below are some basic instructions that’ll help you if you want to grow Amaranth outdoors.
- Select a Sunny Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Prepare the soil: Ensure it is well-draining and rich in organic matter, amending it with compost if necessary.
- Sow Seeds Directly: Plant Amaranth seeds directly in the garden bed, spacing them about 6-12 inches apart.
- Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist, especially during germination and early growth stages.
- Mulch the Area: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds around the plants.
- Provide Adequate Spacing: Thin plants to allow proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
- Fertilize as Needed: A balanced fertilizer promotes healthy foliage and robust growth.
- Control Weeds: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Protect from Pests: Implement natural pest control methods to keep the plants healthy.
- Harvest Leaves and Seeds: Pick leaves regularly for consumption and allow seeds to mature for harvesting.
About Worldly Seeds
Once operating as a traditional seed store, we shifted our business model to better align with our family’s love for travel and dynamic lifestyle. Our enthusiasm for selling seeds led us to close the store and instead focus on educating others on how to start a seed-selling business. We offer valuable resources on where to purchase seeds and provide essential advice on growing, caring for, and harvesting them. Our international travels made running a home-based seed store untenable. Nevertheless, our part-time seed business earned nearly $250,000 within two years, enabling us to live our ideal life. Now, we dedicate ourselves to helping others establish successful home seed businesses. Additionally, we share only trusted and proven sources for those who prefer gardening tips or need recommendations for the best American seed suppliers. Although we no longer sell seeds directly, Worldly Seeds thrives through your gardening and entrepreneurial ambitions!