Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
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Pl. B188 — Amaranthus hypochondriacus
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus hypochondriacus, commonly known as pigweed or red amaranth, is a hardy annual or perennial forb/herb native to the central and southern regions of North America, including parts of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Texas. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and seeds, making it a valuable food source. Its distinctive feature lies in its vibrant red coloration, which adds both ornamental value and culinary appeal to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus hypochondriacus?
Amaranthus hypochondriacus, commonly known as pigweed or red amaranth, is a hardy annual or perennial forb/herb native to the central and southern regions of North America, including parts of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Texas.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus hypochondriacus thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 3-10, making it adaptable to a range of temperate climates. This plant can be either annual or perennial and reaches a height of about 1.2 meters. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagation is best done through seeds. Enjoy its edible leaves and seeds in your garden or kitchen.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-10
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus hypochondriacus for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and full sun, and you'll have a good chance of success.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows 30-60 cm apart. Keep the soil moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage, and harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to prune, and not mulching properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 19 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 19 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 11 native· 19 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)AustriaRussia
Asia1 region
introduced (1)China
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)AlgeriaCameroonChad
Broader regions
native:Mexico Gulf, Nebraska, Minnesota, Mexico Northeast, Wisconsin, Mexico Central, Texas, Missouri, Mexico Southwest, Mexico Northwest, Kansas
introduced:Cook Is., East Aegean Is., Congo, California, Arizona, British Columbia, Florida, East Himalaya, Cape Provinces, Baltic States, Argentina Northeast
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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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b188fa29-0dd3-499b-84b2-7a5fa03c0844
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