Red Spike Amaranthus is the deepest crimson amaranth you'll find, with flower spikes so intensely colored they seem to glow against green foliage. This open-pollinated cultivar grows compactly and reaches harvest in just 65 to 75 days, thriving in zones 5 through 11. It's equally at home as a fresh or dried cut flower, a striking accent in borders, or nestled in containers where its vibrant red spikes command attention. The frost-tender growth habit means it loves warm soil and responds quickly to direct seeding after the danger of frost passes.
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Moderate
5-11
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High
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This amaranth delivers the darkest red flowers of any variety trialed, with an intensity that makes it a showstopper in any garden bed or vase. The compact growth habit keeps plants tidy and manageable, while the ability to thrive in containers means you can grow it almost anywhere you have sun and warmth. Harvest it fresh when blooms are mostly open, or let the seed set and dry the spikes for arrangements that last all winter long.
Red Spike Amaranthus shines as a cut flower, whether fresh or dried. Harvest blooms when at least three-quarters of the flowers on the spike have opened for the longest vase life, or wait until seed begins to set if you want to dry the flowers for winter arrangements. The dramatic crimson spikes work beautifully in borders where they add vertical texture and bold color, and they earn their place in containers on patios or decks where their deep red reaches eye level.
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Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Keep seedling trays at 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (17 to 18 degrees Celsius) until they're ready to transplant outdoors.
Harden off seedlings gradually over a week before planting outside. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed; Red Spike Amaranthus is frost-tender and will not survive cold soil. Space transplants 12 inches apart.
Direct seed after the last spring frost date when soil has warmed. Sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, then thin seedlings to final spacing once they're established.
For fresh cut flowers, harvest spikes when at least three-quarters of the flowers on the inflorescence have opened; this timing gives you the longest vase life. For dried flowers, wait until seed has begun to set and the flower spikes feel firm to the touch. Cut spikes at the base with a sharp knife. If drying, stand the cut stems upright in a tall container or bucket to maintain their natural drooping appearance as they dry.
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