Powell's Amaranth
Amaranthus powelliifam. Amaranthaceae
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Pl. 8EE1 — Amaranthus powellii
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IOverview
Overview
Powell's Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) is an annual forb or herb found in the wild across much of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Native to Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Mexico, this plant thrives in full sun with moist to well-drained soil types ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it can grow up to 1.8 meters tall, making it a notable presence in the landscape. Its adaptability to various soil conditions and hardiness zones 6-11 contributes to its widespread distribution in these regions.
Quick answers
What is Powell's Amaranth?
Powell's Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) is an annual forb or herb found in the wild across much of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Powell's Amaranth thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 6-11 and can reach heights of 1.8 meters as an annual forb/herb. For propagation, sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. This plant is both edible, with leaves and seeds being usable parts, and native to regions including Arizona, California, Colorado, and various areas in Mexico.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Powell's Amaranth for the first time
8steps
Powell's Amaranth is a straightforward annual plant for beginners to grow, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden plot or container, soil, water, and sunlight.
- 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 mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, ensuring consistent growth. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth, removing any dead or yellowing leaves. Harvest young leaves for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Powell's Amaranth are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes, while the seeds are often harvested and ground into flour for baking or added to soups and stews. Both parts are commonly used fresh or dried.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)China
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Ethiopia
Broader regions
native:Texas, Mexico Central, New Mexico, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Northwest, California, Mexico Northeast, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Mexico Southwest
introduced:Illinois, Idaho, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Argentina Northwest, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Louisiana
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Amaranthaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Amaranthaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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