Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-1.

Hello everyone! I hope this post finds you well! Temperatures are definitely getting cooler. The sweet corn and green beans have been harvested with great results. The ‘Incredible’ sweet corn produced 200 ears and the ‘Peaches and Cream’ produced 141 ears. Most of them made it to the freezer… The last planting of ‘Provider’ green beans was weird, but I still put 21 quarts in the freezer. That should last me for a while.

This post is about the Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’ I brought home from Wagler’s Greenhouse on June 11. I saw them on an earlier visit but knew it would grow fairly large so I wanted to make sure I had a proper location. I decided it would fit on the left side of the steps on the north side of the house, so I went back and picked one out.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-2.

I hadn’t planted any Amaranth since I lived in Mississippi, so I thought it would be a good idea. Information online says ‘Red Spike’ grows 48-60″ tall, but this plant has grown to approximately 80″ tall and 60″ wide.

Johnny’s Selected Seed says ‘Red Spike’ is the darkest red in their trials. The color of the flowers is indeed dark red, but in full sun they seem to almost glow.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-3.

While Amaranth is said to be deer-resistant, other critters like grasshoppers like their leaves. Judging by the fellow hiding in the above photo, they may also like the flowers.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-4.

I found this inchworm snacking on the leaves as well when taking photos on September 3. I’m not sure if he was saying “hi” or “get lost”… Perhaps he was posing for a photo.

So, what is my impression of this cultivar? I would definitely give it a 5-star rating for color, robust growth, ease of care, and drought tolerance. It just grows without much care at all. I did have to tie it to the porch railing which is normal for plants of this size.

Most of you probably know what Amaranth is, but for those of you who don’t, I’ll fill you in a little. As of right now, there are 93 species in the Amaranthus genus that are either native or introduced to nearly every country in the world. There are 183 genera in the plant family Amaranthaceae. While I have enjoyed growing several members of the family (Alternanthera, Amaranthus, Celosia, and Gomphrena), the dreaded Amaranthus spinosus (Spiny Amaranth/Pigweed) and Chenopodium album (Lamb’s Quarters) grow wild on the farm.

Amaranth cruentus is a native of Central America that has been introduced to other countries. Like many Amaranth species, they have been in cultivation since around 4,000 BC being used as a grain crop and a leaf vegetable. The seeds are often ground into flour and the young leaves are used like spinach. The seeds can also be popped like popcorn.

If you are interested in giving Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’ a shot, there are many websites selling seed online. One of my favorites from the past was Amaranthus caudatus (Love Lies Bleeding). Plants are easy to grow from seed by pressing seed into the soil, either in the ground after all danger of frost has passed or inside. Just remember, when you transplant young plants, they will need to be spaced 3-4 feet or more apart to allow for their ultimate size.

Click HERE to view the page for the plant family Amaranthaceae I have had experience with. There are links to their own pages.

Until next time, be safe, stay positive, always be thankful, and GET DIRTY!