A floral arrangement of Dreadlocks Amaranth in a tall pink pitcher with a white background.
A woman holding Dreadlocks Amaranth over her shoulder in a UK garden. Image courtesy of Lucy Hutchins.
A smiling girl holding a bouquet of Dreadlocks Amaranth in front of the Baker Creek Seed Store.
A floral arrangement of Dreadlocks Amaranth in a tall pink pitcher against a wood background.
A smiling girl holding out Dreadlocks Amaranth in the trial garden at Baker Creek.
Close-up macro view of Dreadlocks Amaranth.
A floral arrangement of Dreadlocks Amaranth in a tall pink pitcher with a white background.
A woman holding Dreadlocks Amaranth over her shoulder in a UK garden. Image courtesy of Lucy Hutchins.
A smiling girl holding a bouquet of Dreadlocks Amaranth in front of the Baker Creek Seed Store.
A floral arrangement of Dreadlocks Amaranth in a tall pink pitcher against a wood background.
A smiling girl holding out Dreadlocks Amaranth in the trial garden at Baker Creek.
Close-up macro view of Dreadlocks Amaranth.

Amaranth Seeds,
Dreadlocks

4.49 ReviewsSKU: #AM144Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Amaranthus caudatus). A fountain of eye-catching magenta-burgundy blooms! Here’s a different amaranth—curious flower heads in a weeping habit, with “tassels” sometimes reaching down to the ground. Compact plants seldom exceed 3 to 4 feet in height. Seeds and young leaves are edible and highly nutritious. This variety is stunning in beds and borders and it makes a top-notch cutting flower for floral design. Adds some serious drama to the garden!

Growing Tips: Dreadlocks amaranth produces dramatic, rope-like blooms that cascade in vivid burgundy, making it ideal for both ornamental beds and floral arrangements. It is low-maintenance and tolerant of poor soil, thriving in hot, sunny conditions with minimal care.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Amaranthus caudatus
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
90–100
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
10–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow after the last frost or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks prior and transplant when nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F. Dreadlocks amaranth prefers warm soil to germinate and grow rapidly in summer heat. 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

Sow seeds directly into loosened, well-draining soil at a depth of ⅛ inch and lightly cover with soil. Maintain consistent moisture during germination. Thin seedlings to 10 to 12 inches apart once true leaves appear to promote healthy growth and airflow.

How to Grow

Provide full sun and water regularly until established. Once mature, Dreadlocks amaranth is drought-tolerant. Avoid overfertilizing, which can reduce flowering. The plant’s striking tassels develop best with long daylight exposure and minimal competition from weeds.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow flower tassels to fully dry on the plant
  • Harvest by cutting tassels and placing them in a paper bag
  • Let them dry indoors for 1 to 2 weeks
  • Gently crumble tassels to release seeds
  • Sift to separate seeds from chaff and store in a dry, airtight container

FAQ

Can Dreadlocks amaranth be used in floral arrangements?

Yes, the dramatic tassels are highly sought after in both fresh and dried floral designs. Harvest blooms at peak color and hang them upside down to dry for long-lasting arrangements.

Is Dreadlocks amaranth edible?

While grown primarily as an ornamental, the young leaves and seeds are edible. Leaves can be sautéed or steamed, and seeds may be collected and cooked like quinoa or popped.

Does this variety need support to stay upright?

In most cases, Dreadlocks amaranth stands well on its own. However, in windy areas or if soil is loose, staking or growing near a fence can help prevent leaning or breakage.

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