Amaranth usually used as a grain. When you grow it, though, amaranth can also be used as a leafy vegetable. The leaves are similar to spinach leaves when harvested. Varieties can range from giants topping eight feet to smaller one-to two-foot plants.
Amaranth was grown strictly as an ornamental plant. That gives you an idea of its visual interest. From broad foliage to stunning colors and gorgeous when it goes to seed, amaranth can add to any beautiful landscape layout. You can harvest both leaves and grain from any edible amaranth, though, so you can also choose a variety based on what your edible garden needs for height and color. Amaranth can have a wide range of foliage colors, from the rich green foliage of 'Mercado' to the deep scarlet red of 'Molten Fire', to the blended colors in 'Joseph’s Coat'. The flower and seed tassels can vary, as well try 'Juana’s Orange', 'Elena’s Rojo', and 'Love Lies Bleeding Green'.
The plant is pretty drought tolerant, though it will do better with some moist, well-drained soil. So it should be watered regularly.
Amaranth plants grow well in average to rich, well-draining soil with equal amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Unlike other leafy green vegetables, amaranth is fairly happy in the heat. In fact, it is native to the southern US and Mexico, so you have a lot of leeway for having a warm spring and even summer.
