Amaranthus cruentus
Amaranthus cruentus
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Pl. F9F0 — Amaranthus cruentus
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus cruentus is an annual forb/herb native to Central America and Mexico, known for its versatility as both a food and ornamental plant. This species thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soil types, with a preference for dry to moist conditions. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and is commonly found in regions from El Salvador to Nicaragua. The plant is easily propagated through direct seeding, with seedlings thinned to about 15 cm apart. Its edible parts include the leaves and seeds, making it a valuable resource in its native range. Amaranthus cruentus is adaptable and hardy within USDA zones 3-11, offering a vibrant addition to gardens while providing sustenance.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus cruentus?
Amaranthus cruentus is an annual forb/herb native to Central America and Mexico, known for its versatility as both a food and ornamental plant. This species thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soil types, with a preference for dry to moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus cruentus thrives in full sun with moderate light requirements and prefers well-draining soils that are medium or heavy (clay). It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from moist soil. This annual plant grows up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-11, making it adaptable to various climates. For propagation, direct seed the amaranth, thinning seedlings to 15 cm apart. The leaves and seeds are edible parts of the plant. Soil pH should be maintained between 8 and 9 for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
2 m tall
Soil pH
8–9
- Propagation
- Direct seed, thin seedlings to 15cm
- Days to harvest
- 75
- Row spacing
- 20 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus cruentus for the first time
8steps
Start with Amaranthus cruentus as a simple, rewarding annual plant for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden plot or large container, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 8-9. Ensure containers are at least 30cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 15cm apart, or start seedlings indoors then transplant them.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Thin seedlings if necessary to maintain 15cm spacing.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering and full sun exposure. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth, but wait until the plant is established before harvesting leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 8 native· 22 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)AlbaniaBelgiumSpain
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)AfghanistanBangladeshIndia
Americas5 regions
native (4)El SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
introduced (1)Bolivia
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)AlgeriaBeninBotswanaBurundi
Broader regions
native:Mexico Central, Mexico Southwest, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast
introduced:Arizona, Borneo, Argentina Northwest, Brazil West-Central, California, Altay, Argentina Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Amur, Alabama
VIIIGarden companions
13 pairs
Garden companions
13 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Borage
Borago officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Pot marigold
Calendula officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Fagopyrum esculentum
Fagopyrum esculentum
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence guild pairing: insectary flowers support pollinators, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps around mixed vegetable beds.
Garlic
Allium sativum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
Artemisia dracunculus
Artemisia dracunculus
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence guild pairing: aromatic foliage can confuse pests in dense polyculture beds when spacing and airflow are maintained.
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Living mulch
Lower-confidence guild pairing: low ground covers protect soil, reduce bare patches, and can be cut back if they compete.
Radish
Raphanus sativus
Trap crop
Lower-confidence guild pairing: trap crops can draw aphids or flea beetles away from the main crop when monitored and removed if overloaded.
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop
Lower-confidence guild pairing: trap crops can draw aphids or flea beetles away from the main crop when monitored and removed if overloaded.
Keep away from these
Avoid planting nearby — competition, allelopathy, or shared pests/diseases.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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