Red Spike Amaranth is a striking annual flower that delivers deep crimson plumes perfect for late-season arrangements and garden drama. This upright variety grows 45 to 70 days to maturity and thrives in full sun across hardiness zones 2 through 11, making it accessible to nearly every gardener. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the tender leaves are edible and nutritious, offering a dual-purpose plant that beautifies while it feeds.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
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Moderate
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The deep red plumes remain upright even after cutting, their feathery texture creating movement and dimension in arrangements. Leaves are tender and delicious when harvested young, before full maturity sets in, delivering both visual spectacle and kitchen utility from a single plant. Its frost-tender nature means it thrives in warm conditions, rewarding gardeners with vigorous growth and vibrant color from midsummer through fall.
Red Spike Amaranth serves double duty in the garden and at home. The dramatic red flower spikes command attention in late-summer and fall arrangements, holding their color and structure long after cutting. The leaves function as a nutritious green vegetable when picked young and tender, adding both nutrition and unique texture to salads and cooked preparations.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow on the soil surface or just barely cover, keeping soil temperature between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination. Transplant outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before transplanting outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun. Water gently after transplanting to settle soil around roots.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Sow seeds on the soil surface or barely cover them, keeping the seedbed consistently moist until germination. Thin seedlings to 12 to 18 inches apart once they have their first true leaves.
For flowers, cut the deep red spikes once they reach full color and have developed their characteristic feathery plumes. They remain upright and hold color well in arrangements both fresh and dried. For edible leaves, harvest when they are young and tender, before the plant has fully matured; mature leaves become tougher and less palatable. Pick leaves throughout the growing season to encourage continued production.
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