Ornamental
Velvet Curtains Amaranth is a striking heirloom flower that commands attention with its deep crimson seed heads rising 42 to 48 inches tall by midsummer. This frost-tender annual thrives across all hardiness zones when grown seasonally, reaching full bloom 84 days from seed to flower. Low-water needs and a tolerance for poor soil make it an unfussy grower, while its edible seeds and ornamental presence give it dual purpose in the garden.
Full Sun
Low
1-11
48in H x 30in W
Annual
Low
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Deep crimson flower heads emerge reliably by late summer, creating a dramatic vertical accent that lasts well into fall. The plants drought-tolerant nature means you can ignore them once established, yet they reward full sun with even more vibrant color. Seeds are edible and nutritious, offering a practical harvest alongside stunning visual appeal.
Velvet Curtains Amaranth grows primarily as an ornamental flower, where its deep red plumes create dramatic late-season color from June through November. The seed heads hold their color and form well as fresh or dried cut flowers, making them valuable for arrangements and garden displays. The edible seeds can be harvested and used as a nutritious grain.
Six weeks before your last frost date, sow seeds thinly into seed-starting mix in containers. Keep soil evenly moist by placing a humidity dome over the pots or sprinkling a thin layer of vermiculite over seeds. Maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit; germination typically occurs within 3 to 14 days. Ensure good air circulation to prevent damping off.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date, when soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures remain above freezing. Space plants 2 inches apart. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days before final planting.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last frost date. Barely cover seeds (sow at a depth of 1/16 inch) and keep soil moist until germination, which should occur within 3 to 14 days at soil temperatures of 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harvest seed heads once they have fully darkened to deep crimson and feel dry to the touch, typically in late summer or fall after 84 days from sowing. Cut flower heads with sharp pruners, leaving a few inches of stem attached. For seed harvest, allow heads to dry completely on the plant or dry them indoors on screens, then rub seeds free from the dried flower structure.
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