Into The Bloom: How To Grow Amaranth At Home

How To Grow Amaranth At Home: Both amaranth leaves and grains have now made it to our kitchens. Amaranth is a plant known for its nutrition-rich leaves and seeds. Also known as Rajgira in India, this one is also known as God's grain. This grain contains antioxidants, protein, fibre, and other micronutrients that are great for our overall well-being.Do you know you can have your own amaranth plant at home? Amaranth is available in a variety. It can be grown for its leaves and seeds. As per your needs, choose the right variety.

How To Grow Amaranth At Home?

• Get amaranth seeds from a nursery or a gardening store based on your needs and location. 
• Buy a well-drained, fertile soil to grow amaranth. The soil should be slightly acidic. 
• Plant amaranth seeds in the soil at a distance of at least 18 inches.

• Water the plant. Remember to never waterlog the amaranth plant. Amaranth can grow without water for many days but regular watering will help its healthy growth.
• Place the plant in full sun for a few hours. The plant can also grow in shade.

Tips To Grow Amaranth Plant Quickly

• The Amaranth plant doesn't require heavy fertilisation. Before planting the seeds, add compost to the soil for the plant's growth. A light, balanced fertliser can be used for the plant.
• Mulching helps in growing the plant quickly. Add a layer of mulch around the plant base. It will help retain the soil's moisture and control weeds.
• In a few days, you will see young, tender amaranth leaves growing out. Once the leaves are 4-6 inches tall, cut off the leaves based on your requirement and the plant will produce more leaves.

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• If you wish to harvest seeds, let the plant grow flower heads. These flower heads can be cut and dried. Once they turn brown, cut the heads and hang them upside down. When you rub the flower head, you get tiny amaranth seeds, ready for use.
• To grow amaranth seeds again, save these seeds in a dry place and plant them again.

• Though the amaranth plant is pest and disease-resistant, keep monitoring garden pests like caterpillars and aphids.
• If you see something unusual with your plant or notice that it isn’t growing well, call a gardening professional and get your plant monitored.
• Amaranth plants might not survive in cold temperatures. Harvest them before winter hits.

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• Amaranth is a fast-growing plant and that's the best thing about growing it in your home garden.
• Amaranth is a summer crop and it can grow fully in 40-50 days during summer. So, growing the plant in hotter areas of the country is way easier than in cold temperatures.
• Do remember to save some seeds to be re-planted so that you have a continuous supply of amaranth in your home garden.
• Amaranth seeds can be used to prepare porridge, pancakes, and cereals. Amaranth leaves can be used to add a fresh green flavour to your salads, and curries. (Amaranth namkeen recipe)