Sowing and Planting

Sow the seeds directly in the ground in mild climates, after temperatures are reliably above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or start it inside four to six weeks before the last expected frost.

When you're ready to plant, choose a sunny location for it. This fast-growing plant needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily to perform well. Amend poor soils well with compost, manure or peat moss. Red amaranth needs moderately fertile, but consistently moist soil, and grows best with a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Amend acidic soils with lime, or alkaline soils with sulfur, to adjust the soil pH. In dry conditions, water it two or three times weekly, or as needed to keep the soil moist 1 inch beneath the surface.

Fertilizing: Red amaranth after planting and every six weeks with 2 tablespoons of granular 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. Spread the fertilizer on the soil 6 inches from the plant and till it in lightly.