Red Garnet Amaranth seeds
Red Garnet Amaranth is a stunning heirloom variety prized for its vibrant color and versatility. Its striking deep red to fuchsia foliage and flower plumes make it a standout ornamental plant, adding dramatic flair to any garden or floral arrangement. Beyond its beauty, Red Garnet Amaranth is also a nutritional powerhouse. The young leaves offer a mild, spinach-like flavor, perfect for salads or cooked greens. As the plant matures, it produces an abundance of tiny seeds that can be harvested and used as a nutritious, gluten-free grain, similar to quinoa. These seeds can be toasted for a nutty flavor, ground into flour for baking, or even popped like popcorn.
This heat-tolerant and relatively easy-to-grow plant is also beneficial to the ecosystem. Its tall, seed-filled flower heads attract various birds, providing them with a valuable food source. Whether you're looking to add visual interest to your garden, explore nutritious culinary options, or support local wildlife, Red Garnet Amaranth is a fantastic choice. It thrives in warm weather and full sun, making it a wonderful addition to gardens across a wide range of climates. Consider incorporating this remarkable plant for a touch of vibrant color and a boost of nutrition!
Seed count: 200
Botanic name:
Amaranthus caudatus
Plant spacing:
10" - 18"
Color:
Green foliage with fushia / Bright red blooms
Sowing depth:
1/4"
Sun requirements:
Surface sow, sprinkle seeds, and barely cover with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Do not allow the soil to dry out while the seeds are germinating. Using a spray bottle or lightly watering 2-3 times a day is a best practice.
Utilization:
To best utilize Red Garnet Amaranth, consider its versatility from young sprout to mature plant. The vibrant red microgreens are ready in just 7-15 days, adding a colorful and delicate flavor to salads and sandwiches. As the plant matures, the young leaves can be used like spinach in various cooked dishes, offering a boost of nutrients such as calcium, iron, and B vitamins. If allowed to grow, the striking magenta flower spikes produce an abundance of gluten-free seeds, which can be harvested, dried, and used like quinoa in cereals, salads, or ground into flour for baking. Beyond culinary uses, the tall, deep red plants make a stunning ornamental addition to gardens and attract birds to their seed heads. You can even cut the colorful flower stalks for fresh or dried floral arrangements, extending the plant's beauty beyond the growing season. Whether for its nutritional leaves, grain-like seeds, or ornamental appeal, Red Garnet Amaranth offers multiple benefits throughout its life cycle.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
55-60 days
Life cycle:
Annual
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
N/A