Grain Amaranth
Burgundy Amaranth is a striking grain amaranth that grows 5 to 8 feet tall with deep burgundy foliage that only intensifies as the season progresses. This Amaranthus hypochondriacus cultivar thrives in full sun and produces abundant grain heads prized for both nutrition and ornamental appeal. Direct sow or start indoors after your last frost when soil temperatures reach 65, 75°F, and you'll have a versatile crop ready by mid to late summer that rewards warm-climate gardeners with dramatic color and reliable yields.
Full Sun
Moderate
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96in H x 24in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Burgundy Amaranth apart is the richness of its color, deep wine-red foliage that develops more intensely as temperatures climb throughout the growing season. The plant grows tall and substantial, reaching 5 to 8 feet, creating a striking visual presence in any garden bed while also producing viable grain. It's a true dual-purpose plant: ornamental enough to turn heads, practical enough to harvest and eat. The grain itself is nutrient-dense and the foliage remains edible throughout the season, making it one of the most productive amaranth varieties for gardeners in warm climates.
Burgundy Amaranth is grown primarily for its grain, which can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or cooked whole as a nutritious side dish similar to quinoa. The leaves are also edible when young and tender, offering a mild, slightly earthy green that works in salads or cooked preparations. Many gardeners value this variety as much for its visual impact in the garden as for its culinary potential, using it as an ornamental backdrop while knowing they have a productive harvest waiting.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date using biodegradable pots—amaranth roots are sensitive to disturbance, so biodegradable containers allow you to plant the entire pot directly into the ground without disturbing roots. Sow at a soil temperature of 65–75°F, barely covering seeds with soil. Transplant outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 65°F.
Transplant seedlings outside 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, or whenever soil temperature reaches 65°F or higher. Space plants 18 inches apart to allow for mature width of 18–24 inches. Plant the entire biodegradable pot directly into the ground to minimize root disturbance.
Direct sow outside 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date when soil temperature reaches 65–75°F. Sow seeds barely covered and thin seedlings to one plant every 18 inches when they reach 3 inches tall.
Harvest grain heads when they dry on the plant, they'll shift from their burgundy color to a deeper, almost brown-black hue and the seeds will feel hard when squeezed between your fingers rather than soft or milky. Cut the entire seed head and allow it to dry further in a warm, well-ventilated location before threshing the grain. For microgreens or tender young leaves, harvest from the top of the plant when leaves are still small and tender, typically within the first 4 to 6 weeks of growth.
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