Short answer: sprinkle 8 to 15 g of dry red amaranth seed on a 10 × 20 inch tray of fine, moist soil. Mist it, cover it and keep it warm (70 to 75°F) for 3 days. Uncover and give strong light for the best colour. Water gently from below and cut at 14 to 16 days.
What are amaranth microgreens?
Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) is a leafy plant related to the grain amaranth. Red varieties grow brilliant magenta stems and leaves. Chefs use them for colour on fish, risotto and desserts. Sprouting.com gives red amaranth 14 to 16 days as a microgreen.1
How to grow amaranth microgreens
- Day0
Sow
Sprinkle the tiny seed evenly over fine, moist potting mix. Mist gently. Don't cover with soil.
- Day0–3
Warm blackout
Cover and keep warm. Mist lightly once or twice a day.
- Day3
Strong light
Uncover and give 14 to 16 hours of strong light. Colour develops with light.
- Day3–14
Water gently
Water from below only. The stems are delicate and flop if hit with water.
- Day14–16
Harvest
Cut carefully above the soil with sharp scissors.
Nutrition
In a USDA-led study of 25 microgreens, garnet amaranth had the highest vitamin K1 of any crop tested.2 See microgreens vs mature greens.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pale colour | Not enough light | Stronger, closer light |
| Seedlings collapse | Damping off, overwatering | Water from below, add airflow |
| Patchy tray | Seed buried or dried out | Sow on the surface, mist often |
Tips for growing amaranth microgreens
- Sow on the surface. The seed is tiny. Press it onto fine soil without covering it.
- Keep it warm. Amaranth likes 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C) and stalls in a cold room.
- Use strong light for the best magenta colour.
- Water gently from below. The thin stems topple if splashed.
- Cut carefully. Use sharp scissors and hold a small bunch at a time.
Red amaranth vs beet and chard
| Microgreen | Colour | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Red amaranth | Magenta leaves and stems | 14–16 |
| Beet | Red stems, green leaves | 8–12 |
| Swiss chard | Red or yellow stems | 8–12 |
Amaranth is slower and more delicate, but no other microgreen matches its colour.
How chefs use amaranth microgreens
Its colour makes it a favourite garnish on pale food: white fish, scallops, risotto, cauliflower soup and panna cotta. It's mild, so it adds colour without changing the flavour of a dish.
Storing and eating
Amaranth microgreens are delicate. Use them within 3 to 5 days. They're mostly a garnish: try them on white fish, soups, salads and berries. See how to garnish with microgreens.
Red amaranth FAQ
How long do amaranth microgreens take to grow?
About 14 to 16 days, according to Sprouting.com. Harvest when the seed leaves are fully open and coloured.
Why aren't my amaranth microgreens red?
Usually not enough light. Strong light brings out the magenta colour. In dim light they stay pale pink or green.
Are amaranth microgreens nutritious?
In a USDA-led study of 25 microgreens, garnet amaranth had the highest vitamin K1 of all the crops tested.
Is amaranth a good beginner microgreen?
It's a medium-difficulty crop. The tiny seed and delicate stems need warmth, strong light and gentle watering.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
