Gaea's Blessing Seeds

Gaea's Blessing Seeds - Red Garnet Amaranth is a vibrant, heirloom, non-GMO variety that adds a striking touch to your garden while providing a nutritious crop for cooking and ornamental purposes. Known for its rich red foliage and edible seeds, this open-pollinated amaranth is a great choice for gardeners looking for a versatile, easy-to-grow plant. With a 92% germination rate, these seeds are packed with potential for a beautiful, high-yielding harvest that will impress both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.

Product Overview

Red Garnet Amaranth is a hardy and ornamental plant that thrives in a variety of climates and provides edible seeds that are rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. The plant features vibrant red foliage and deep red seed heads, creating a stunning visual display in any garden. Whether you are growing it for its edible seeds, leaves, or as a decorative plant, the Red Garnet Amaranth offers an attractive addition to your garden space. With its non-GMO, untreated, and open-pollinated nature, you can trust that you're cultivating a healthy, sustainable crop.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirements:

Amaranth plants, including the Red Garnet variety, thrive in full sun and require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. They are heat-tolerant and grow best in warm conditions, making them ideal for summer gardens.

Soil Preferences:

Amaranth prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. It grows well in loamy or sandy soils and can tolerate mild drought conditions once established. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost or well-rotted manure to encourage healthy growth.

Planting Tips:

• Sow Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil, and space them 12-18 inches apart to allow for ample growth.
• Spacing: Since amaranth can grow tall (up to 6 feet or more), it's important to give it plenty of space for proper airflow and root development. Thinning the plants to 12-18 inches apart will also help to prevent overcrowding.
• Temperature: Red Garnet Amaranth prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 85°F (21°C-29°C). It can tolerate a variety of soil types but should be planted in areas that are well-protected from frost.

Watering Instructions:

• Moderate Watering: While amaranth is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it still requires consistent moisture during the early growth stages. Water regularly to maintain moist, well-drained soil, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Watering Frequency: Water the plants deeply, especially during dry periods. Once established, reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Avoid Wetting the Leaves: Watering should be done at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, which helps prevent diseases.

USDA Growing Zones

Red Garnet Amaranth is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-10. It grows well in both cooler and warmer climates and can be cultivated in spring or summer for a quick harvest. The plant is heat-tolerant and flourishes in hotter climates but can also withstand cooler temperatures once established.

Global Growing Zones

This heirloom amaranth variety grows successfully in regions with temperate to subtropical climates, including parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. It can be grown from spring to summer in areas with mild winters and warm growing seasons. In warmer climates, it can even be cultivated year-round.

Watering Tips

• Consistent Moisture: While amaranth is drought-tolerant, it still requires consistent moisture during the germination and early growth stages. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established.
• Water at the Base: To reduce the risk of fungal diseases, water at the base of the plants rather than from above. This helps to keep the leaves dry and minimizes the chance of fungal infections.
• Avoid Overwatering: Be cautious not to water too frequently, especially in cooler climates, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.

Key Benefits & Uses

• Nutrient-Rich Superfood: The seeds of Red Garnet Amaranth are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The plant is a rich source of lysine, an essential amino acid, and is often used as a grain substitute in a variety of dishes such as quinoa or rice.
• Edible Leaves & Seeds: Both the young leaves and mature seeds of the amaranth plant are edible. The leaves can be cooked and used in dishes like stir-fries, soups, and salads, while the seeds can be harvested and cooked like quinoa or used as a grain alternative.
• Ornamental Appeal: The red foliage and vibrant seed heads make Red Garnet Amaranth a visually striking plant, perfect for adding a bold color contrast to ornamental gardens or landscaping.
• Easy to Grow: With a 92% germination rate, this amaranth variety is straightforward to grow from seed and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Best Uses in the Garden & Landscape

• Edible Gardens: Incorporate Red Garnet Amaranth into your edible garden for both decorative and practical purposes. Harvest the leaves for fresh greens or the seeds for a nutritious food source.
• Ornamental Gardens: The bright red leaves and striking seed heads of this amaranth make it an excellent choice for garden borders, flower beds, or as a focal point in your landscape design.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Amaranth attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden aiming to support pollinator populations.
• Container Gardening: This versatile plant can also be grown in containers on patios, balconies, or small garden spaces. It can thrive in pots with good drainage, making it suitable for urban gardeners or anyone with limited space.

Conclusion

Gaea's Blessing Seeds - Red Garnet Amaranth offers gardeners a nutritious, beautiful, and easy-to-grow plant that adds both ornamental and culinary value to any garden. Whether you’re growing it for the edible seeds, nutritious greens, or its stunning red foliage, this heirloom, non-GMO variety provides vibrant color and high yields. With its 92% germination rate and low-maintenance growth requirements, this open-pollinated amaranth is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to grow a versatile, nutritious crop. Start your garden with these premium Red Garnet Amaranth seeds and enjoy the beauty and bounty it provides throughout the growing season.