Species Red Root Amaranth
lime-green flowers and green leaves on light-brown stems

Red Root Amaranth

Amaranthus retroflexus

Red Root Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) is an herbaceous annual plant native to North America and often found growing in disturbed soils and on roadsides. It grows up to 3–6 feet tall and has dark green, alternate leaves up to 8 inches long. Stems are red or reddish-purplish in color. The species’ edible flowers vary but are usually white or red. The plant has a complex root system and durable tap root, hence its moniker. It produces thousands of tiny, red seeds which are considered a pseudo-cereal and are used to make meals and flour products. This species has a long history of traditional uses and can be a reliable source of food.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Red Root Amaranth should be watered regularly, about twice a week. It should be watered until the top 2 inches of soil feel slightly moist. Too much water can cause root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Be sure to water when the soil starts to look dry or when the leaves start to droop and wilt. It's important to water the plant just before the soil dries out completely. Too little water can cause leaf and stem dieback. In hot, dry weather, consider increasing your waterings to 3 times per week.

sunlight

Red Root Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. It is best to provide Red Root Amaranth with full sun during the morning and early afternoon hours and light shade during the middle and late afternoon hours in order to give the plants enough time to become acclimated to the direct sunlight. If planting the Red Root Amaranth in an area that does not get enough sunlight, then it is best to supplement the sunlight with grow lights, either with regular or LED bulbs, in order to provide the plants with adequate lighting.

pruning

Red Root Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) is an annual plant that is best pruned in early spring prior to flowering. Pruning should be done lightly by no more than a third of the overall plant height. Pruning should be done selectively, leaving the main stem as intact as possible. This will help to encourage better air circulation around other stems and will also make the plant look more attractive. Additionally, removing any dead or diseased leaves or stems should also be part of the pruning process.