Chinese Giant Orange Amaranth is a towering heirloom flower that reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, crowned with brilliant orange plumes that bloom from summer through fall across hardiness zones 3-11. This frost-tender annual develops its vibrant seed heads in approximately 84 days from planting, thriving in full sun with minimal water once established. The plant's substantial size and drought tolerance make it a dramatic backdrop for any garden, while its heirloom status connects modern growers to generations of seed-saving tradition.
Full Sun
Low
3-11
96in H x 36in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Reaching up to 8 feet tall with a sculptural single stem, this amaranth commands attention with its dense, glowing orange flower spikes that persist from midsummer into late fall. The plant's exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in zones as cold as 3 means even gardeners in challenging climates can grow this impressive specimen. Its heirloom lineage and proven performance across diverse growing regions make it a reliable choice for creating bold vertical interest without fussy care demands.
Chinese Giant Orange Amaranth is grown primarily as an ornamental flower, valued for its dramatic height and long-lasting orange seed heads that add color and structure to gardens and cut-flower arrangements from mid-summer through the fall season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors six weeks before your last frost date by sowing thinly into seed-germination mix. Keep soil evenly moist at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, using a humidity dome or thin vermiculite cover to maintain moisture until germination begins. Seeds typically sprout within 3 to 14 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and frost risk has completely passed.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date in your area.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.