How to Grow Amaranth Microgreens
Amaranthus tricolor
Amaranthus tricolor microgreens offer vibrant color and rapid growth for culinary use. Gardeners appreciate their hardiness and ease of cultivation in both containers and garden beds.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Amaranth Microgreens: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Amaranth Microgreens is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds into prepared beds or containers once soil temperatures are suitable for warm-season growth, typically after the last frost.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Although the database lists this as a warm-season crop, standard practice dictates sowing cool-season microgreens like amaranth 2 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Broadcast seeds densely on the surface or cover lightly, then maintain consistent moisture. Expect germination within 2 to 5 days.
Space plants by broadcasting them very densely as recommended for this variety. These microgreens do not require trellising or support structures given their small size. Mist the growing medium two to three times daily to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid heavy mulching in such a shallow system, and supplemental feeding is rarely needed at harvest time.
While these plants show excellent disease resistance and face few pest issues, watch occasionally for aphids. Prevent problems by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering when possible. Harvest the microgreens after approximately 50 days from sowing, though they may be ready sooner depending on growth rate. Snip just above the soil line with clean shears.
When to Plant Amaranth Microgreens
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 2 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 3 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 4 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 5 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 6 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 7 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 8 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 9 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 10 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 11 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 12 | January – December | — | January – December |
| Zone 13 | January – December | — | January – December |
Companion Plants for Amaranth Microgreens
✓ Good companions
Compatible growth rates and pest resistance helps protect tender amaranth
Repels aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack microgreens
Natural pest deterrent and doesn't compete for space in microgreen setups
Compatible growing conditions and helps attract beneficial insects
Similar growing conditions and harvest timing, good companion crop
Nitrogen-fixing properties benefit nearby plants, similar harvest timing
Fast-growing companion with similar light and water requirements
Similar cool-season preferences and non-competitive root systems
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which is toxic to amaranth and inhibits growth
May release compounds that inhibit amaranth seed germination
Allelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of most plants
Aggressive growth and strong aromatic oils can overwhelm delicate amaranth microgreens
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
