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Amaranth Microgreens

Amaranthus tricolor

Round to heart-shaped leaves are medium-green overlaid with burgundy red. Striking color on the undersides of the leaves. Cutting the top of the plant yields beautiful, multicolored rosettes that can be added to mixes. Comparable to spinach in flavor. Often used in soups.

Harvest

50d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

am-a-RAN-thus TRY-col-or

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-5 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Amaranth Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Amaranth Microgreens · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

SpacingBroadcast very densely

SoilFine potting mix or seed starting mix

pH6.0-7.5

WaterMist 2-3 times daily, maintain consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorMild, earthy, slightly sweet with subtle mineral notes

ColorDeep red to magenta stems with green to reddish leaves

SizeTiny leaves, 0.25-0.5 inch

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: am-a-RAN-thus TRY-col-or. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Carnival' Illumination Splendens, 'Carnival', Illumination, Splendens. Propagation: Seed.

Harvesting

Type: Achene.

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: Seeds, leaves

Storage & Preservation

Fresh amaranth microgreens keep best when stored unwashed in the refrigerator. Place them in a partially open plastic bag or container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They'll maintain peak quality for 5-7 days when kept at 35-40°F with high humidity. Avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates deterioration.

For longer storage, amaranth microgreens can be gently dehydrated at low temperatures (95-105°F) for 6-8 hours until crisp, then stored in airtight containers for several months. The dried greens work well as colorful garnishes or can be powdered for seasoning blends. Freezing isn't recommended as it destroys the delicate texture, though frozen microgreens can be blended into smoothies. Unlike mature amaranth, microgreens aren't suitable for traditional preservation methods like canning due to their delicate nature.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical Asia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought, Heat, Poor Soil
+Edible: Seeds, leaves

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack microgreens

Chives

Natural pest deterrent and doesn't compete for space in microgreen setups

Lettuce

Similar growing conditions and harvest timing, good companion crop

Radish Microgreens

Fast-growing companion with similar light and water requirements

Cilantro

Compatible growing conditions and helps attract beneficial insects

Spinach

Similar cool-season preferences and non-competitive root systems

Pea Shoots

Nitrogen-fixing properties benefit nearby plants, similar harvest timing

Arugula

Compatible growth rates and pest resistance helps protect tender amaranth

Keep Apart

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of most plants

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to amaranth and inhibits growth

Brassica Microgreens

May release compounds that inhibit amaranth seed germination

Mint

Aggressive growth and strong aromatic oils can overwhelm delicate amaranth microgreens

Nutrition Facts

Calories

69kcal(3%)

Protein

1.5g(3%)

Fiber

5.3g(19%)

Carbs

17.6g(6%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

54.1mg(60%)

Vitamin A

5mcg(1%)

Iron

1.61mg(9%)

Calcium

8mg(1%)

Potassium

304mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167782)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent disease resistance, very hardy

Common Pests

Few pest issues, occasional aphids

Diseases

Rarely affected by diseases when properly grown

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do amaranth microgreens take to grow?▼

Amaranth microgreens are ready to harvest in 8-12 days from sowing. They're among the faster-growing microgreens. You'll see germination within 2-3 days, and the distinctive burgundy stem color develops by day 6-7. Harvest when stems are 1-2 inches tall with vibrant coloration and first true leaves appearing.

Can you grow amaranth microgreens without soil?▼

Yes, amaranth microgreens grow excellently on hydroponic growing mats, coconut coir, or even paper towels. The key is maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. Growing mats designed for microgreens work particularly well and eliminate soil mess while providing good root support.

What do amaranth microgreens taste like?▼

Amaranth microgreens have a mild, earthy flavor with subtle sweetness and mineral notes. They're much milder than mature amaranth leaves, with no bitterness. The taste is pleasant and not overpowering, making them excellent for salads, garnishes, and smoothies where you want nutrition without strong flavor.

Do amaranth microgreens need special lighting?▼

Amaranth microgreens need bright indirect light or LED grow lights for 12-14 hours daily after the initial 3-4 day blackout period. A sunny windowsill works, but grow lights positioned 6-12 inches above provide more consistent results and better color development in the stems.

Can you regrow amaranth microgreens after cutting?▼

No, amaranth microgreens cannot regrow after harvesting. Unlike some herbs that sprout from roots, microgreens are cut above the root system and the remaining plant dies. You'll need to replant with fresh seeds for each harvest cycle.

Are amaranth microgreens good for beginners?▼

Yes, amaranth microgreens are excellent for beginners due to their exceptional disease resistance, high germination rates, and forgiving nature. They tolerate minor watering mistakes better than most microgreens and don't require fertilizing. The main challenge is handling the tiny seeds, which improves with practice.