Red Cathedral Amaranthus ( Amaranthus cruentus ) is one of three Amaranthus species that have been grown for thousands of years as a source of grain. The seeds are used as a cereal grain and the leaves are also edible and can be cooked as a vegetable. The grain from this species is rich in nutrition, containing amino acids including lysine which is used to treat cold sores and up to 19% protein, traits that are not common to cereal grains. Amaranth grain is becoming a popular product in health food stores for these reasons.
Amaranthus cruentus has several other common names which include Purple Amaranth, Prince’s Feather, Mexican Grain Amaranth, Red Amaranth, and Blood Amaranth.
Growth
Red Cathedral Amaranthus is a fast growing annual that can reach up to 2 metres tall and 1.2 metres wide in 4-5 months. This species best planted towards the back of garden beds to avoid it stealing sunlight from some of the lower growing plants. Leaves can be harvested continuously from as early as 30 days and the grain is ready when seed begins to fall off the seed head. Flowers are large and dark pink – burgundy in colour. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND growing this species organically.
This species is not frost tolerant and will die off as the weather cools to 4°C or lower.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaranthaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 45°C / 50 to 113°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium – Becomes more drought tolerant as it matures but will need to be kept moist as a seedling and juvenile plant.
POLLINATION:
Self-Pollinating. Monoecious – both male and female flowers are present on the same plant.
MATURITY:
4-5 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
96%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-2 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4-5 years.
FACTS ABOUT AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS (Red Cathedral Amaranthus)
Amaranth has been used as a food source in Central America since 4000 BC!
The Red Cathedral plant has become popular in recent years as an ornamental plant but as well as being a source of leafy vegetable and grain, the seeds can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, or sprouted and added to salads.
