Grain Amaranth

Amaranthus species

Amaranthaceae (Amaranth)

Heat-loving dual crop — edible leaves all summer plus a protein-rich seed grain. Thrives where wheat won't.

EdibleAnnualFull sunDrought-toughHeat-loverNutrient-denseSurvival cropStaple calories

Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus species) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek

Sun

Full sun

Water

Low — drought-tough

Soil

Tolerant

pH

6.0–7.5

Hardiness

Warm-season annual

Height

3–7 ft

Spacing

12–18 in

Days to harvest

90–120

What it is

Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus species) is in the Amaranthaceae (Amaranth) family. Heat-loving dual crop — edible leaves all summer plus a protein-rich seed grain. Thrives where wheat won't.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it low — drought-tough, and give it tolerant soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 12–18 in apart. Expect roughly 90–120. Warm-season annual.

How it's used

Grain Amaranth is used: leaves cooked; seed as grain (popped/cooked).

🔎 How to identify it

Broad veined leaves, often red-tinged
Big plume-like seed heads
Tiny shiny seeds

Edibility

PartsLeaves and seed

UsesLeaves cooked; seed as grain (popped/cooked)

CautionLeaves contain oxalates; cook them.

🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.