Sunset Goldilocks Amaranth is a vibrant ornamental and edible flower that reaches 36 to 48 inches tall, producing dramatic blooms from early summer through late fall across hardiness zones 2 through 11. Named for its golden-hued flower heads, this cultivar of Amaranthus cruentus germinates in just 84 days and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established. Its drought tolerance and ability to flourish in lean conditions make it an unusually resilient addition to gardens that demand low-maintenance beauty without sacrificing visual impact.
Full Sun
Low
2-11
48in H x 24in W
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High
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Golden flower heads unfurl over a long summer-to-fall season, creating striking vertical architecture in the garden while remaining refreshingly low-maintenance. The blooms are edible and harvestable, bridging the line between ornamental drama and practical food production. Its drought tolerance means it shrugs off dry spells that would stress fussier plants, and it performs across an exceptional range of hardiness zones, from zone 2 to zone 11.
The flower heads are edible and can be harvested for fresh arrangements, dried flowers, or as a culinary garnish. The seeds are harvestable and edible as well, offering dual-purpose appeal for gardeners who want ornamental height alongside nutritional harvest.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors six weeks before your last frost date. Sow thinly into seed-starting mix in containers and cover seeds barely, no more than 1/16 inch deep. Keep the soil evenly moist by placing a humidity dome over the containers or sprinkling a thin layer of vermiculite over the seeds. Maintain temperatures between 65 and 75°F. Germination typically occurs within 3 to 14 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date, spacing them 2 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last frost date. Barely cover seeds with soil (1/16 inch) and keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination, which should occur within 3 to 14 days.
Harvest flower heads when they reach full color and feel firm to the touch, typically in mid to late summer. Clip stems with sharp shears just below the flower head. For seed heads, allow flowers to mature fully on the plant until they dry and turn papery in late fall, then cut entire heads and dry them indoors in a warm, well-ventilated space. Seeds can be threshed from dried heads by rubbing them between your hands.
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