Amazing Amaranth!

I am frequently asked if I grow anything edible. While I could say that our daylily flowers are edible, I don’t make a habit of eating them. However, I can say that I’ve grown something edible this summer- amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)!

This particular cultivar, ‘Chinese Giant Orange’ grows to almost 8’ tall by 3’ wide. To say it stands out in the garden is a major understatement! It produces abundant tiny seeds that are a nutritious grain. In my opinion, the grains taste and look very similar to quinoa.

I purchased a packet of seeds from Select Seeds and sowed indoors according to directions about 5 weeks before last frost. When the plants were about 6” tall and after last frost, I transplanted them to my garden. They need full sun and can tolerate dry soils once they’re established. They grow quickly, so be sure to stake them. From seed to bloom is a quick 12 weeks and although they are an annual, they can re-seed. I don’t think they will overtake my garden, but I’ll let you know next summer.

The large orange flower panicles look almost feathery giving this plant a really unique texture that will be the star of your garden!