Everything You Need To Know About Growing Colorful Amaranthus
Amaranthus is one of those rare plants that delivers bold color, dramatic texture, and reliable performance with very little fuss. Whether grown for its cascading tassels, upright plumes, or vibrant foliage, Amaranthus brings a striking, almost architectural presence to the garden. Easy to grow and fast to mature, it is a favorite for gardeners looking to make a strong visual impact from midsummer through fall.
Amaranthus is a genus that includes both ornamental varieties grown for their flowers and foliage and edible types cultivated for grain or leafy greens. In the ornamental garden, Amaranthus is prized for its long-lasting color, unusual flower forms, and ability to thrive during heat and drought when many other annuals struggle.
Amaranthus has a long and fascinating history. It was cultivated thousands of years ago by ancient civilizations in Central and South America, particularly the Aztecs, who valued it as a staple grain and ceremonial plant. Over time, Amaranthus spread around the world, becoming both an important food crop and a decorative garden plant. Today, ornamental Amaranthus varieties are grown primarily for visual impact rather than harvest.
Most ornamental Amaranthus varieties are warm-season annuals. They grow quickly, often reaching maturity within 8 to 12 weeks from seed, and continue to perform until frost. Depending on the variety, plants can range from compact forms under 2 feet tall to dramatic specimens reaching 6 feet or more.
Amaranthus offers an impressive color palette. Flower colors include deep burgundy, crimson, magenta, copper, chartreuse, lime green, and bronze. The foliage can be just as eye-catching, with shades of purple, red, gold, and variegated patterns. Many varieties combine colorful leaves with bold flowers, providing season-long interest.
Amaranthus is extremely versatile. Upright types make excellent back-of-the-border plants or bold focal points in beds. Cascading varieties such as ‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’ are ideal for adding drama to garden edges or large containers. Compact selections work well in mixed borders and raised beds. Amaranthus is also popular in cutting gardens, as both fresh and dried flowers hold their color and form beautifully.
Growing Requirements
One of the biggest advantages of Amaranthus is its forgiving nature once established. With the right basic conditions, it will grow vigorously and reward you with months of color.
Sowing Seeds or Using Starter Plants
Amaranthus can be grown from seed or purchased as starter plants. Seeds are best sown outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F. Seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Starter plants offer a quicker start and are ideal for gardeners with shorter growing seasons.
Sunlight - Full sun is essential for the best color and strongest growth. Amaranthus performs best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants grown in partial shade may survive, but they tend to be less colorful and more prone to flopping.
Soil - Amaranthus prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including average garden soil and sandy loam. While it tolerates less-than-ideal conditions, incorporating compost at planting time will improve overall vigor and flower production.
Water - Once established, Amaranthus is moderately drought-tolerant. Water young plants regularly until roots are well developed. After that, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to weak stems and reduced performance.
Fertilizing - Amaranthus does not require heavy feeding. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting time is usually sufficient. Excess nitrogen can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers, so avoid over-fertilizing.
Maintenance - Maintenance is minimal. Taller varieties may benefit from staking in windy locations. Deadheading is not required, as spent flowers often add ornamental value. If self-seeding is a concern, flower heads can be removed before seeds mature.
Pest Control - Amaranthus is generally pest-resistant. Occasionally, aphids or flea beetles may appear, especially on young plants. These can usually be managed with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap if needed.
Disease Prevention - Diseases are uncommon when plants are grown in well-drained soil with good air circulation. Avoid overcrowding and excessive watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues such as root rot or leaf spots.
Toxicity - Ornamental Amaranthus is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, large quantities should not be consumed. If grown near pets or livestock, it is best treated as an ornamental rather than a food source unless specifically labeled as edible.
Colorful Amaranthus is a standout choice for gardeners who want bold color, dramatic texture, and reliable summer performance with minimal effort. Its wide range of forms and colors makes it suitable for nearly any garden style, from cottage gardens to modern landscapes. With full sun, well-drained soil, and basic care, Amaranthus will reward you with eye-catching beauty from midsummer until frost, making it a truly unforgettable addition to the garden.
