Molten Fire Amaranth – 20 Seeds

Molten Fire Amaranth is easily grown from seed. As summer progresses, the bronzy maroon leaves develop the rich coloring that gives it its name. The leaves are edible and very nutritious. It quickly grows to four feet high, and adds a splash of color to the garden. The plant does not produce flower spikes like most Amaranth, instead it produce pom-pom like flower balls attached to the stem, as can be seen in the photos. This is truly a beautiful amaranth variety!

Molten Fire Amaranth Culinary Uses

• The seeds and the young leaves are edible.
• The youngest leaves are good to use in salads.
• The mature leaves are better cooked like spinach.
• The leaves can also be sauteed with chilies and spices.
• Anything you would use spinach for, just use amaranth leaves exactly the same way.
• The iron and calcium rich seeds can be dried and then cooked and eaten as you would oatmeal or porridge, or ground into a flour.

Growing Molten Fire Amaranth

• Direct sow Amaranth into prepared seed beds after all danger of frost  in groups of 4 seeds spaced 18-24 inches apart.
• Thin to the strongest plant.
• Or, scatter seed over ground that has had the top 1 inch of soil loosened. Rake seed in lightly, walk over area to firm soil.
• Keep moist until germination. Amaranthus seed is easy to germinate provided the soil is warm.
• Seed can also be started indoors in cell packs or containers.
• Kept at 18 – 21 Celsius , germination is in 10-21 days.
• Grow in full or part sun.
• Plants tolerate high heat, and will grow in any soil as long as drainage is good.
• Amaranthus will grow faster, produce more flowers with regular water, but will tolerate some drought once established.
• Seed heads attract birds and beneficial insects.