How to Grow Amaranth in Australia
A warm-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing your own Amaranth is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-6/week, dual-purpose crop (leaves and grain) with high nutritional value.
This guide covers when to plant Amaranth in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Amaranth is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Amaranth full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 7 days, fastest when the soil is between 20 and 35 degrees.
Thrives in SEQ heat when everything else bolts. Pick young leaves continuously. Seeds are also edible, a true subtropical powerhouse.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Leaf spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Amaranth is typically ready to harvest in roughly 4 weeks. Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 3 days. Seeds stored dry for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, amaranth is good young leaves sautéed like spinach, seeds toasted and used as a grain, added to soups and stews and leaves used in Indian and African dishes. Nutritionally: high in protein and complete amino acids and good source of iron and minerals.
Companion Planting
Amaranth grows well alongside Corn and Onion. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Amaranth Growing
Add amaranth to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Australia?
Amaranth is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Amaranth take to grow?
Amaranth is generally ready to harvest in roughly 4 weeks.
Can I grow Amaranth in a pot?
Yes. Amaranth grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Amaranth need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Amaranth in the Plant Library
