Amaranth has been used for thousands of years in holistic medicine. Amaranth offers a number of health benefits, including enhancing bone health, improving blood pressure, increasing immunity, and reducing systemic inflammation. Amaranth is high in protein and antioxidants. Amaranth reduces free radicals, improves digestion, and reduces cholesterol.
Microgreens are usually harvested one to two weeks after the first true set of leaves have formed on the plant. These herb and vegetable seedlings have as much as 40 times the amount of nutrients that their mature counterparts have.
Microgreens and sprouts should not be confused with one another. Sprouts are harvested before the first true leaves form and are typically sold with the roots intact. Conversely, microgreens are cut off at the soil level.
Amaranth microgreens contain calcium for strong bones, magnesium and potassium for improved blood pressure readings, and zinc for improved immunity. Furthermore, the fiber found in Amaranth microgreens can improve weight loss efforts.
Amaranth is extremely easy to grow and is considered one of the most beautiful and vibrant microgreens. Amaranth adds a unique flavor and color to any dish. From planting until harvest is only about 10 days, making it a great microgreen for new gardeners.
Amaranth Microgreen Profile
ATTRIBUTE
PROFILE
Flavor
Amaranth microgreens have a slightly sweet, yet earthy flavor.
Presoak: (yes or no)
No
Color
Amaranth color ranges from vibrant pink or vivid red to translucent violet.
Germination Time
Gemination begins within 2 days of planting.
Harvest Time
You can harvest amaranth within 10 days of planting.
Green Thumb Level: (how easy or hard to grow 1 to 5 scale)
3 – Amaranth is fairly easy to grow when planting instructions are followed, and soil is kept warm.
Amaranth microgreens are easy to grow. Their sweet, earthy flavor and red color provide beautiful color and unique flavor to any of your dishes. Germination happens within a couple of days and you can be enjoying delicious Amaranth microgreens in ten days as long as you follow the directions explained below and purchase the best grow kit for Amaranth microgreens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most common questions asked about growing Amaranth microgreens.
Do Amaranth Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?
Most microgreens are typically difficult to regrow once they have been harvested. There are a few exceptions to this, including a variety of pea species that can regrow if a couple of healthy leaves are left on the plants. After you have harvested your amaranth, compost any remaining leaves and replant amaranth seeds.
How Fast Do Amaranth Microgreens Grow?
Amaranth microgreens germinate within 2 days of planting and can be harvested within 10 days.
Equipment Needed To Grow Amaranth Microgreens
When you have the proper growing equipment and materials, growing amaranth microgreens is simple. Although you can choose a variety of materials and equipment for growing microgreens, there are a few things that need to be customized to amaranth microgreens. You want to ensure that you choose the correct soil for your amaranth microgreens, the recommended trays, and high-quality, organic seeds.
Starter Kits For Amaranth Microgreens
A full starter kit will provide everything you need to begin growing microgreens. All that you will need to purchase is your amaranth microgreen seeds to get started.
🥬 DELICIOUSNESS - Includes our unique compressed Fiber Soil, Non GMO Zesty Radish Microgreen Seeds and a 150 ml sprayer. You'll be growing in our attractive 15" x 6" (BPA FREE) Multi-Use Acrylic Planting Tray which can also be used for succulents, dish and herb gardens, wheatgrass, table centerpiece, house plant drip tray, fairy gardens, and so much more.
🥬 STRIKING AND NUTRITIOUS- Microgreens look beautiful on a dish as a gourmet garnish, and while they're growing in the slick looking acrylic planter tray. Skip the ugly, bulky trays and grow in style! Looking to pump up your greens? Microgreens are up to 40 times more nutritious than their mature counterparts!
🥬 SO EASY - Pre-measure Fiber Soil and Seed makes growing Microgreens a snap! Just hydrate the compressed soil, spread it in the tray along with the seed and keep it moist. In less than 10 days you've got greens!
🥬 ANYWHERE, ANYTIME - Grow nutritious mini veggies year round near a window or on a countertop with just some room lighting. Or even better, ON your window and out of the way with a Window Garden Double Veg Ledge Suction Cup Shelf (SOLD SEPARATELY).
🥬 REFILLS - Most people get hooked on these tiny little powerhouse sprouts. When you do, we got you covered, with pre-measured and easy-to-grow refills. There're a convenient and cost effective option for a healthy lifestyle.
Specific Equipment For Growing Amaranth Microgreens
You can also purchase individual items to grow your amaranth microgreens. These items include:
Growing Medium (Soil): Premium potting soil is the best choice for growing amaranth microgreens. Microgreens require well-drained soil. Choosing an organic soil that contains organic fiber, pumice, and perlite helps ensure adequate air space and drainage for all of your microgreen plants.
The all purpose organic potting soil that fits all your needs; convenience, quality tested organic ingredients and a proven track record of performance
Offers premium quality at outstanding saving
This product is made in United States
Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
Rich, loamy mix is one of the best for all gardening applications
Another popular soilless option for microgreens is Coconut Coir.
Burpee eco-friendly Natural & Organic garden coir is a sustainable and renewable soil amendment made from coconut fibers
Ideal for custom blend growing mixes, raised garden beds, container gardening, and seed starting
Holds up to 150% of its weight in water with the ability to retain moisture
Improves aeration for stronger root growth
Omri listed for organic gardening
Growing Trays: Amaranth microgreen trays provide the perfect solution for beginners looking to start growing amaranth microgreens. When shopping for growing trays, you want ones that are shallow and have drainage holes in the bottom of the tray. Watering your microgreens from the bottom is the best practice for optimal growing. This practice also reduces the risk of mold growth due to watering microgreens from the top. Try these growing trays:
🌱 1020 MICROGREEN TRAY WITH HOLES - 1020 MICROGREEN FLATS - SEED TRAYS WITH HOLES - Handy Pantry plant trays with holes are ideal microgreen trays for seedling flats and shallow germination trays for easy micro greens such as organic arugula seed, sunflower seed, amaranth, and spicy salad mix.
🌱 1020 WHEATGRASS TRAYS WITH DRAIN HOLES - 1020 WHEATGRASS GROWING TRAYS - The Handy Pantry 10" x 20" BPA-free plastic planting trays are a popular seed tray for germinating wheat grass seed, oat grass seed, barley grass, and rye grass. Try countertop seed trays for DIY wheatgrass juicing today!
🌱 1020 PLANT TRAYS FOR INDOORS - 1020 NURSERY TRAYS - GREENHOUSE GARDEN SUPPLY - Seedling trays are a popular sprouting tray for alfalfa sprouts, radish sprouts, and broccoli sprouts, but are also perfect for seed starting trays, nursery trays for seedlings, and BPA-free greenhouse supplies.
🌱 1020 HYDROPONIC TRAY - 1020 FLOOD TRAYS - FODDER TRAYS WITH DRAIN HOLES - Seedling trays are multi-purpose grow trays used as a hydroponic grow tray, ebb and flow tray, and plant tray part of an organic fodder system. 10" x 10" plastic growing trays nest perfectly in a 20" x 10" watering tray!
🌱 PRODUCT OF USA - POST-CONSUMER MICROGREEN TRAY - BPA FREE PLANT TRAY - Our Handy Pantry customer service and workforce is proudly based in the US along with our microgreens growing trays, plastic plant trays, and plant trays for indoors being 100% BPA-free.
Growing Trays Required for Bottom Watering: To properly water your microgreens, you will need a second tray without holes. My favorite trays are:
✔️MONITOR GROWTH EASILY: using a clear propagation dome with your seed trays lets you easily observe your plants without contaminating their ecosystem and germination tray.
✔️MAINTAIN CONTROL: humidity domes let you regulate the temperature and humidity of your seedling tray environment, so you have total control of the growing process.
✔️ACCELERATE GROWTH：our plant starter trays create the ideal growth conditions for your seeds, ensuring germination success and increased growth speed in your seed starter trays.
✔️HEAVY DUTY & REUSABLE: our extra strong seed starting trays are made to last! They aren't cheaply made with flimsy plastic, so our plant trays can be used for seasons to come!
✔️HEAVY DUTY & REUSABLE: our extra strong seed starting trays are made to last! They aren't cheaply made with flimsy plastic, so our plant trays can be used for seasons to come!
Misting Bottle/Hand Held Plant Sprayer: During germination, you will need to mist the soil. The best way to do this is to use a misting bottle like this one:
Small Size with Large Capacity: Only 6.3" Tall 3" Diameter with 200ml, enough for indoor plants like succulents or herbs.It is a better gift for Christmas.
Multi-application: Not only for spraying plants, but also can be used for Personal Cooling, Pet Cooling, Windows/Table Cleaning, Spraying Fruits and so on.
Light Weight: Just using your fingers to watering small plants inside your office and home
Comfortable Design: Easy-to-use top pump & the ring-finger holder,it's more comfortable to spray plants this way.
Material: The top pump is made of plastic which prevent rust, the pneumatic nozzle design of the plant atomizer creates a fine spray effect. And the spray bottle is made of thickened glass, sturdy and durable.
Once your amaranth seeds have sprouted, you will begin watering your microgreens from the bottom. This method will allow your microgreens to get the water that they need without running the risk of overwatering.
Light Source: If you are growing your amaranth microgreens indoors, you may want to employ the use of a grow light. Natural light is fine when growing outdoors; however, the light can be uneven when it streams in through your windows, resulting in uneven growth. Conversely, grow lights ensure your amaranth microgreens grow uniformly. When searching for a grow light, look for one that fits your budget like this one:
✔ Using high brightness led chip---Super bright led grow light---High PAR value---Great for veg, flower, succulents, verbena plants, etc
✔ Easy Installation plant grow led light kit.---It’s easy for you to finish your setup with the supplied screws or super strong self-adhesive pads or cable ties
✔ Extendable design. Could connect up to 6 tube lights together with seamless connectors or connector cords. 3 power cords included, the lights can be installed in any position you want
✔ Independent control---Each light has its own power switch on the light itself, you can easily control each light independently
✔ What you get---6 x T5 led grow light, 3 x Power Cords(59''), 6 x Installation Accessories(screws and clips), 18 x pads, 18 x cable ties, 5x Connecting Cords(20''), 6 x Small Connectors. 24 months unlimited warranty. Simply email us for a quick and easy replacement
During the germination process, no light is needed; however, once your microgreens sprout, they will require light.
Heating Mat: Amaranth microgreens prefer warm temperatures. If the location you will be growing is cool (below 72 degrees), you will need to either increase the temperature of the room or use a heating mat for your amaranth microgreens. The one that I recommend is this one:
RELIABLE RESULTS: VIVOSUN’s professional heat mat maintains temperatures in the sweet spot of around 20-30℃（68-86℉）- perfect for seed starting and cutting propagation
STABLE, UNIFORM HEAT: VIVOSUN's strengthened heating film ensure this durable mat never scorches your roots and produces lots of revitalizing dew when used with a humidity dome
PROFESSIONAL RELIABILITY: The controller maintains a stable temperature between 40-108°F (5-42°C) for professional horticultural systems; the sensor probe delivers accurate readings in both cool and warm environments
ZERO-EFFORT SETUP AND OPERATION: The controller comes with a manual, but you won’t need to read it! Using 3 buttons, you can set a temperature or change the display between Fahrenheit/Celsius in seconds
SAFETY GUARANTEED: This 10" x 20.75" mat is perfect for standard 1020 trays and slightly larger than comparable mats on the market; VIVOSUN heat mat Combo Set is the best choice for safe and professional heat-mat regulation
Your soil temperature has to be above 72 degrees for germination to occur. A heating mat will increase the rate of germination of your amaranth microgreen seeds.
Microgreen Planting Rack: Many growers like to use a planter’s rack when growing amaranth microgreens. This is an optional tool; however, it allows you to store your microgreen trays in a vertical small area. A simple rack like the one listed below can be retrofitted with grow lights:
Ideal for small backyards or homes where space is an issue; place on a deck, patio, or balcony
Gives seeds, seedlings, and young plants an early start
Clear polyethylene cover and roll-up zippered door for easy access
Strong push fit tubular steel frame assembles in minutes without any tools
27" Long x 18" Wide x 63" High
Amaranth Microgreen Seeds: The most important thing when it comes to growing microgreens are seeds. When it comes to amaranth seeds, the most important thing to remember is to choose organic, high-quality seeds like those found at True Leaf Market:
Amaranth - Red Garnet - Microgreens Seeds – Red Garnet Amaranth is a highly sought-after microgreen due to its high protein levels and beautiful color. This organic, heirloom variety features bright red and magenta colorations that can be used in oriental dishes and salads.
Amaranth (Organic) - Microgreens Seeds – Certified organic amaranth features a translucent green color and mild, sweet flavor, making it a perfect addition to your salad or used as a garnish.
Below is the step-by-step process needed to successfully grow amaranth microgreens. Make sure you fully read and understand before you begin.
Soaking Amaranth Microgreen Seeds
Amaranth microgreen seeds do not require presoaking.
Planting Instructions
The first thing you want to do is to prepare your growing trays. Place your tray with holes inside a tray with no holes.
Growing Medium - Amaranth microgreens can be grown using soil or coconut coir. Firmly compact the soil, keeping the level just below the top of your growing tray, and moisten the soil.
Sowing Seeds – Amaranth seeds are round and small, so care should be taken. Using a shaker bottle can help ensure that you sow your seeds evenly. You will want to plant approximately 38 seeds per square inch. Planting more than the recommended number of seeds per square inch can increase the risk of disease. Wet the seeds and soil again.
Cover – Microgreens need to germinate in darkness. Place the growing tray with no holes on top of your seeds and place a brick or two on top of the tray to ensure it is properly sealed off. Do not worry about the weight of the bricks. They will not crush your seeds; instead, they will help ensure your seeds properly root in your soil. Germination will take two days.
Light – Once your amaranth seedlings have sprouted and developed roots, you will want to remove the tray and place it underneath the growing tray with holes. Your seedlings can then be placed under your grow light.
Monitor – On days two through ten, you will continue to monitor the growth of your amaranth and add water as necessary.
Harvesting Amaranth Microgreens
When your amaranth microgreens reach approximately 3 inches tall, they are ready to harvest. Cut your microgreens right above soil levels. Wash the microgreens before you use them. If you cannot use all of your harvest microgreens, place them in a Ziploc bag and store them in your refrigerator crisper.
Final Thoughts
Amaranth microgreens are protein rich and add a delicious earthiness to salads and oriental dishes. They are super nutritious and can be grown using standard microgreen growing equipment.
Growing microgreens at home only requires a minimal investment, depending on the equipment purchased. You can reap your first harvest of amaranth microgreens in just ten days.
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.
Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.
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