Amaranth Seeds, Opopeo
An overhead view of Opopeo Amaranth spilling out of a floral bucket.
A smiling MESA intern from Kenya holds a gigantic armful of Opopeo Amaranth.
A floral bucket full of Opopeo Amaranth sitting on an outside table.
A Baker Creek horticultural expert looks up at a giant stalk of Opopeo Amaranth.
Amaranth Seeds, Opopeo
An overhead view of Opopeo Amaranth spilling out of a floral bucket.
A smiling MESA intern from Kenya holds a gigantic armful of Opopeo Amaranth.
A floral bucket full of Opopeo Amaranth sitting on an outside table.
A Baker Creek horticultural expert looks up at a giant stalk of Opopeo Amaranth.

Amaranth Seeds,
Opopeo

4.410 ReviewsSKU: #AM102Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Amaranthus cruentus). Beautiful, large, red, upright flower spikes and bronze-green foliage make this Mexican heirloom a real knockout in the vegetable garden. Tasty leaves are tender when picked young. Easy to grow from seed. From Opopeo, Mexico.

Growing Tips: Opopeo amaranth is a traditional Mexican heirloom renowned for its deep magenta seed heads and edible foliage. This variety offers both ornamental appeal and high nutritional value, growing vigorously in hot weather and tolerating a wide range of soil conditions.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Amaranthus cruentus
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Maturity
65–75 for leaves, 90 for grain
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
12–15 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Begin seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost or sow directly outdoors once the soil is thoroughly warm. Opopeo thrives in long, hot summers and resists drought once established. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Amaranth is a warm-weather crop that needs soil temperatures of 65-75 F to germinate.
  • Surface sow seeds directly in the garden and cover with a very fine layer of soil.
  • Seeds germinate in 3-4 days.
  • Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart.

How to Grow

  • Amaranth grows best in moist, well-drained soil, but it will tolerate poor soil quality and drought.
  • Amaranth thrives in full sun and will grow to be 5 to 8 feet tall in ideal conditions.
  • Can be planted in rows or used as a natural trellis for beans or used in place of corn in a Three Sisters garden.
  • Harvest when you can gently shake seeds from the flower stalk.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Keep up with weeding around young seedlings. Once plants become well established, they will be able to outcompete weeds.
  • Flea beetles can be a nuisance to amaranth when seedlings are young and tender; try covering seedlings with floating row cover until plants have reached 2 feet tall and can better handle insect damage.
  • For extreme flea beetle infestations, apply diatomaceous earth or kaolin.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow seed heads to dry completely on the plant
  • Clip and store heads in a dry, well-ventilated space, or in a paper bag indoors
  • Rub seed heads gently to release seeds
  • Use a fine screen or winnow to remove chaff
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry location for future planting

FAQ

How do I start Opopeo amaranth?

Amaranth is a warm-weather crop, and Opopeo needs soil temperatures of 65-75 F to germinate. Surface sow directly in the garden and cover with only a very fine layer of soil. Seeds come up in just 3 to 4 days; thin seedlings to 12 to 15 inches apart.

When do I pick Opopeo leaves, and when is the grain ready?

The tasty leaves are tender when picked young and can be cut from about 65 to 75 days; picking individual leaves allows the plant to keep growing. Grain follows at around 90 days, from the large, red, upright flower spikes; the foliage is bronze-green. Harvest when you can gently shake seeds from the flower stalk.

Will Opopeo cross with other varieties if I save seed?

It can. Amaranth is wind pollinated, so different varieties should be planted 1,000 feet apart, and related plants such as celosia, cockscomb, lambsquarter and pigweed should be kept away from a seed crop. Amaranth seeds remain viable 5 to 7 years after harvest.
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