Ornamental
Autumn's Touch Amaranth is a stunning Amaranthus cruentus cultivar that reaches 42-48 inches tall, crowned with deep crimson flower heads that deepen in color as temperatures cool through fall. This heat-loving annual blooms prolifically from summer through November, producing both ornamental flowers and edible seeds that mature in about 84 days. The name says it all: this variety peaks in beauty as autumn arrives, transforming gardens with rich jewel tones while requiring minimal water and thriving in full sun.
12-18 inches apart
Full Sun
Low
2-11
48in H x 30in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Autumn's Touch apart is its extended bloom window stretching from June through November, offering color when many gardens are fading. The plant is genuinely drought tolerant once established, asking for just one inch of water weekly, making it ideal for gardeners managing water in drier regions or simply seeking lower-maintenance plants. The deep red flower heads are edible, as are the nutrient-dense seeds, giving this variety a dual purpose that combines stunning visual impact with genuine food production.
Amaranth is grown primarily for its grain-like seeds, which are harvested and cooked as a nutritious whole grain or ground into flour for baking. The leaves and flower heads are also edible and can be prepared as greens or used in arrangements. As an ornamental, the towering stems and vibrant flower spikes make striking additions to late-season gardens and dried flower arrangements.
Start seeds indoors six weeks before your last frost date. Sow thinly into containers filled with seed-starting mix, which helps prevent damping off. Keep soil evenly moist by placing a humidity dome over containers or sprinkling a thin layer of vermiculite over the seeds. Maintain temperatures between 65–75°F until germination occurs, which typically takes 3–14 days. Transplant seedlings into the garden after frost danger has passed.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date, when soil has warmed. Space plants two inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before planting.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date. Barely cover seeds with soil, using only a 1/16-inch depth. Keep the seedbed moist until germination, which occurs in 3–14 days.
For seed harvest, wait until the entire flower head has dried and turned papery, usually 84 days after sowing. The seeds are ready when they rub easily from the flower head. Cut the entire head and hang it upside down in a dry location to complete drying, then thresh seeds by rubbing the head between your hands. For edible greens and flower buds, harvest young leaves and tender flowering tips throughout the growing season before they fully mature.
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