Amaranth is a worthwhile crop to grow in Florida – its edible leaves and seeds serve many culinary purposes. Due to its versatility, growing amaranth in Florida is quite easy.
*Note* As I was researching for this article I got very excited about amaranth in all its varieties with all of its culinary possibilities. Not to mention the ease of growing it in Florida, even in the heat of summer. I’ve just ordered 8 different varieties to experiment with, and I’ll add to this article with photos and learnings.
Growing amaranth in Florida
| Amaranth | Amaranthus spp. |
| Season (FL) | Summer |
| Soil type | Fertile, well-drained loam |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Regular |
| Mature plant size | 4 to 8’ tall |
| Harvest in | 90-150 days |
Amaranth has a rich history as a food crop in central America. Preferring warm weather and full sun, Amaranth seems to grow easily just about anywhere if the season is right.
Amaranthus spp includes many varieties to be grown as a grain or for their leafy greens. The most common for food production seem to be:
- Amaranth caudatus (edulis)
- Amaranthus cruentus
- Amaranthus hypochondriacus
- Amaranthus tricolor
This drought tolerant leafy vegetable can get 4 to 6 to even 8 feet tall depending on environmental conditions and soil fertility.
Planting and harvesting amaranth
You’ll need seeds. I purchased 8 different varieties from Baker Creek so I could test them out for myself. For more options check out these sources.
Once you purchase the seeds for the first time, you should have an abundance of seeds from subsequent harvests.
As for harvesting:
You’ll know the seeds are ready when birds start pecking at the seed heads, or otherwise by shaking the flowers and seeds fall readily.
Leaves can be harvested whenever, before or after flowering occurs. The earlier the better, as this will promote new growth.
Amaranth dies in the winter. Self seeding, new plants will pop up in the spring.
How to plant your amaranth
Direct seed into the flower garden, raised beds, or anywhere that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Space the plants 10-12” apart, although they look good in clumps, too. You should see sprouts in 3 to 4 days.
Grow in amaranth in containers as a decorative flower
Beneficial not only as a food source, but also for its showy flower clusters, amaranth makes an excellent accent or container plant. Keep one on your balcony for a continual and diverse harvest. Container planting is also beneficial for moving plants inside when it gets cold.
Caring for your amaranth
Don’t overwater – this could lead to fungus, diseases, or root rot. Otherwise, amaranth is quite self-sufficient in the garden.
Suggested recipes for amaranth
Versatile in the kitchen, amaranth leaves can be sauteed like spinach, and the seeds can be harvested for a variety of uses. Bake it into just about anything, or stir it into a porridge!
Sources
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/amaranth.html