How to grow Amaranth in Australia
Grow amaranth in full sun in warm, fertile, well-drained soil, sowing once the soil has warmed. Water steadily for tender leaves, easing back as the plants mature.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 30 days
- Time to germinate: 7 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to March | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to March | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | October to January | Warm-season leaf crop; sow Oct to Jan once soil warms. Productive through Sydney summer heat. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | October to December | Frost-tender; sow Nov to Dec only (soil 20°C+). Dies in autumn frost. Narrow window. |
| Adelaide & SA | September and October | Mediterranean: narrow to Sep to Oct. Amaranth frost-sensitive; avoid Dec to Feb extreme heat and Jun to Aug frost. |
| Perth & WA | September and October | Sow Sep to Oct so plants are growing strongly before the Dec to Feb heat. Amaranth needs warm soil and steady water on Perth sand; winter cold finishes it. |
| Tasmania | November and December | Marginal. Sow Nov to Dec in the warmest bed. Cool summers keep plants small. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Sow Nov to Dec after the last frost in early November. Quick leaf types suit the short Canberra season best. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Wet season. Amaranth is tropical staple leafy green; heat and humidity-loving. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Wet season. Amaranth is tropical staple leafy green; heat and humidity-loving. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick young leaves when tender and under hand size, or cut whole seed heads once the grain rubs free and feels dry. Cutting leaves above a node makes them resprout.
Storage
Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 3 days. Seeds stored dry for months.