When to Start Amaranth Seeds Indoors for a Successful Harvest

Amaranth is an ancient grain that has been a staple crop in South and Central America for thousands of years. This versatile plant can be grown for its nutritious leaves as well as its protein-rich seeds. While amaranth is a warm weather crop, you can get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors.

Timing is critical when sowing amaranth seeds indoors. Start too early and the seedlings may languish before transplant. Start too late and they won’t have time to mature before your first fall frost. This guide will walk you through the ideal timing and steps for starting amaranth seeds indoors.

What are the Benefits of Starting Amaranth Seeds Indoors?

Starting amaranth seeds indoors offers several advantages over direct sowing seeds in the garden:

• Extends the growing season. By getting a 4-6 week head start indoors, you can transplant mature seedlings that are ready to grow as soon as weather permits. This allows you to harvest earlier in the season.

• Better germination rates. Seeds germinate more successfully in ideal indoor conditions versus variable outdoor temperatures.

• Healthier, stronger transplants. Seedlings grown indoors have time to develop strong roots and stems before being exposed to harsh outdoor elements

• Earlier harvest. Transplants get a jumpstart on growth versus direct sown plants, allowing you to harvest leaves or grains weeks earlier.

• Avoid frost damage Seedlings grown indoors can be protected from cold snaps that might kill tender young plants in the garden

When to Start Amaranth Seeds Indoors

The ideal window for starting amaranth seeds indoors is 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Amaranth thrives in warm weather, so it’s important not to sow too early while nighttime temperatures are still cool.

Check your local frost dates and count backwards 6-8 weeks from your average last frost to determine your seed starting timeframe For example, if your last frost date falls around May 15th, you would start seeds indoors around March 25th to April 8th

If you’re unsure of your average last spring frost date, you can use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to estimate based on your location. Or contact your local county extension office.

How to Start Amaranth Seeds Indoors

Follow these steps for successfully starting amaranth seeds indoors:

Choose a Container

Start seeds in a sterile seed starting mix using cell packs, trays, or small 3-4 inch pots. This ensures you can transplant each seedling without disturbing the roots. Avoid large containers where seedlings will need to be separated.

Prepare Seed Starting Mix

Use a light, sterile, soilless mix made for seeds. This prevents damping off disease. Moisten the mix well before planting.

Sow Seeds

Amaranth seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover seeds with mix. Sow 3-4 seeds per cell or pot and thin later.

Provide Warmth

Maintain temperatures between 70°F-80°F for best germination. Use a seedling heat mat or grow lights to maintain warmth.

Lighting

Once sprouted, amaranth needs 12-16 hours under grow lights or bright sunlight from a south-facing window.

Care for Seedlings

Keep soil moist but not soaked. Fertilize with a diluted liquid fertilizer once true leaves appear. Harden off before transplanting.

When to Transplant Amaranth Seedlings Outdoors

Amaranth seedlings should be transplanted outdoors about 2-4 weeks after your last expected spring frost, when soil temps are at least 65°F.

Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting by setting them outdoors in partial shade for a few hours each day. Then increase their exposure to sunlight, wind, and weather.

Space transplants 12-18 inches apart in full sun locations with fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly until plants become established.

With proper timing for sowing seeds indoors and transplanting hardened off seedlings outdoors, you can enjoy an earlier and extended harvest of tasty amaranth greens and nutritious seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for amaranth seeds to germinate indoors?

Amaranth seeds usually germinate in 7-10 days indoors when sown at the proper depth and temperatures between 70°-80°F. Germination may take a bit longer if temperatures are cooler.

What are good companions for amaranth?

Some good companion plants for amaranth include corn, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and basil. Avoid planting next to potatoes or raspberries.

How much light does amaranth need to grow?

Amaranth thrives in full sun. Seedlings need 12-16 hours under grow lights or a very sunny, south-facing window. Outdoors, choose a site with a minimum of 6 hours direct sunlight per day.

Can amaranth withstand frost?

No, amaranth is extremely frost tender. Temperatures below 50°F can damage plants. Use row covers if cool nights are expected.

What are optimal temperatures for amaranth?

Amaranth thrives in warm conditions between 60-90°F during the day and 50-70°F at night. Don’t transplant until soil is at least 65°F.

How tall does amaranth grow?

Depending on variety, amaranth grows 4-8 feet tall. Well-fed plants or certain giant varieties can reach up to 12 feet tall! Provide sturdy staking for tall varieties.

Starting amaranth indoors gives you access to fresher greens and nutritious seeds earlier in the season from this ancient grain. Follow the tips above on ideal timing and care to get your plants off to the right start!