How to grow amaranth in a raised bed

Amaranth is a vigorous, heat-loving leafy green (and grain) that thrives when the lettuce has bolted — a colourful, nutritious summer substitute for spinach with real staying power.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun; loves heat
• Spacing: 20–30 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
• Time to harvest: 6–8 weeks for leaf

When should I plant amaranth?

Amaranth loves warmth — sow from spring through summer, when many cool-season greens give up. It's frost-tender. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): September to March
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): October to January
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): November to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): September to March
• Arid inland: September to November

How do I grow amaranth in a raised bed?

Sow into warm, rich mix in full sun. Pick leaves young for eating; let a plant or two run up to their striking seed heads for grain or self-seeding.

How often should I water and feed amaranth?

Water regularly for lush leaves, though it's more drought-tolerant than most greens once established.

What pests attack amaranth?

Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect amaranth?

The main one is leaf spot, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

What grows well with amaranth?

A great warm-season stand-in for spinach; grows happily among summer crops. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest amaranth?

Pick young leaves and tips for greens, cooked like spinach. Harvest the seed heads for grain once they dry, if you like.

More growing guides: warrigal greens, silverbeet and spinach.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Ton Rulkens from Mozambique, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.