Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
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not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
The heirloom that drapes the garden in living velvet. Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) cascades in long, crimson tassels that sway like strands of silk in the summer breeze. Each plume can reach over two feet in length, pouring from upright stems in dramatic, blood-red streams that evoke both ancient ritual and timeless beauty. Beneath the show lies resilience—this centuries-old variety thrives in heat, drought, and lean soil where lesser flowers fade.
Plants reach 3–5 feet tall, crowned with lush green leaves and vivid scarlet blooms that continue from midsummer through frost. Once grown as both ornament and grain, its seeds were a sacred staple of Indigenous American agriculture and remain edible today—tiny, nutty, and high in protein. The striking tassels make excellent dried flowers or harvest decorations, holding their color long after cutting.
Love Lies Bleeding has traveled the globe since its Andean origins, capturing the imaginations of gardeners from Incan terraces to Victorian estates. Its name, first recorded in 16th-century Europe, echoes the symbolism of sacrifice and devotion once tied to the crimson amaranth in Aztec and Inca ceremonies. Today, it remains a botanical icon of passion and endurance—an heirloom that transforms any bed or border into a cascade of living fire.
How to Sow and Transplant Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
1. Sowing Seeds
Timing:
Sow amaranth seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date for earlier blooms or harvests. Soil must be warm—at least 60°F (16°C)—for reliable germination.
Soil Preparation:
Work compost or aged manure into the top 6–8 inches of soil before sowing. Amaranth thrives in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
Sowing Depth:
Seeds are tiny—sow only ⅛ inch deep or press gently into the soil surface and lightly cover with fine soil or vermiculite.
Spacing:
After germination, thin or transplant seedlings to:
10–12 inches apart for leafy types (A. tricolor)
12–18 inches apart for ornamental or grain types (A. caudatus and A. cruentus)
Space rows 18–30 inches apart depending on variety size.
Germination Conditions:
Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 5–10 days at 70–85°F (21–29°C). Avoid crusting or oversaturation, which can smother seedlings.
2. Transplanting Seedlings
Timing:
Transplant only after all frost danger has passed, when both soil and air are consistently warm. Young amaranth is sensitive to cold and will not recover from frost damage.
Handling:
Amaranth seedlings are delicate—transplant by the root ball, not by the stem. Water the soil before removing them from trays to reduce transplant shock.
Planting Depth:
Set plants at the same depth they grew in their pots. Do not bury stems. Gently firm the soil and water well after planting.
Hardening Off:
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off for 5–7 days by gradually introducing seedlings to direct sunlight and outdoor airflow. Begin with a few hours daily, increasing exposure over the week.
Initial Watering:
Water deeply after transplanting to settle roots. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated during the first 7–10 days while plants reestablish.
3. Early Care After Transplanting
Temperature: Optimal range is 70–90°F (21–32°C); amaranth stops growing below 60°F (16°C).
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture until roots are established; afterward, water deeply once or twice per week.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of straw or shredded leaves around plants to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure.
How to Grow — Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
Seed Starting & Transplant Timing
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors once soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (16°C). Love Lies Bleeding thrives in heat, sunlight, and dry conditions—making it an ideal summer annual for both ornamental and edible use.
Germination range: 70–80°F (21–27°C); emergence in 5–10 Days. Do not bury seeds deeply—press lightly into the surface or cover with ⅛ inch of fine soil. Maintain light, steady moisture and avoid overwatering, which can cause damping-off.
Lighting: Provide 14–16 hours of strong light per day under LEDs or fluorescents. Keep lights 2–3 inches above seedlings and rotate trays regularly.
First feed & pot-up: Once the first true leaves appear, begin light feeding with diluted compost tea or ¼-strength organic fertilizer. Transplant into 3–4 inch pots when roots fill starter cells.
Harden off: Over 5–7 days, gradually expose plants to direct sun and outdoor airflow. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C).
Soil Preparation
Texture & pH: Prefers well-drained loam or sandy loam with a pH of 6.0–7.2. It tolerates poor soils but produces longer, more vibrant tassels in fertile conditions.
Amendments: Mix in 2 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. Add bone meal or rock phosphate to encourage strong flowering stems.
Bed setup: Raised beds or wide-row planting improve drainage and soil warmth—vital for tall, vigorous growth.
Watering
Frequency: Water deeply once or twice per week, providing about 1 inch total. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Best method: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses at soil level are ideal to prevent foliar diseases and maintain color intensity.
Note: While Love Lies Bleeding is drought-tolerant, consistent moisture ensures fuller tassels and stronger seed heads.
Fertilizing
Early growth: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5) or compost tea every 2–3 weeks.
Mid to late season: Once flowering begins, reduce nitrogen and increase potassium to encourage vivid color and seed maturity. Excess nitrogen produces lush leaves but weak tassels.
Weeding & Mulching
Weed carefully during early growth when seedlings are small and easily shaded out.
Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent soil splash on lower leaves.
Weeding tip: Hand-pull or use a stirrup hoe, taking care not to damage shallow feeder roots.
Sun & Heat Management
Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) is crucial for rich color and strong, cascading plumes.
Temperature range: Best performance between 75–95°F (24–35°C); growth slows below 60°F (16°C).
Heat management: In extreme heat (>100°F / 38°C), water deeply in the morning and consider light afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch or premature drying.
Spacing & Support
Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 24–30 inches apart for optimal airflow and dramatic display.
Support: Mature plants can reach 3–6 feet tall and may require staking or windbreaks to prevent lodging.
Tip: Wide spacing encourages thicker stems and longer tassels, while closer spacing results in denser but smaller plumes.
Companion Planting
Good companions: Corn, zinnias, basil, and marigolds—all complement amaranth’s form and attract pollinators.
Avoid: Crowding with large, shade-casting crops like tomatoes or squash, which can stunt growth and dull color.
Pollinator note: Tassels attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, improving biodiversity in both ornamental and food gardens.
Container Growing
Use 10–15 gallon pots with rich, well-draining soil. Ensure pots are at least 12 inches deep for proper root development.
Watering: Check soil moisture daily—containers dry faster in full sun. Water when the top inch feels dry.
Tip: Fabric or clay pots regulate temperature better than plastic, preventing root overheating.
Pruning & Training
Pinching: When plants reach 10–12 inches tall, pinch the top to encourage branching and multiple tassels.
Maintenance: Remove spent or faded plumes to encourage continuous bloom. Avoid heavy pruning midseason, which can delay new flowering.
Season Extension
Love Lies Bleeding is frost-sensitive and should be protected from cold snaps with row covers or frost cloth.
Late season: Harvest plumes before frost if drying or saving seed. Hang upside down indoors for 10–14 days until fully dry.
Harvest & Seed Saving
Harvest: Cut plumes once bright color and seed firmness develop but before seeds begin to fall freely.
Cut, don’t pull: Use pruners or shears to protect stems and nearby plants.
Seed saving: Hang plumes in a shaded, airy location for 10–14 days. Thresh gently and winnow to clean.
Isolation: Maintain at least 500 feet from other A. caudatus varieties to preserve true color and form.
Additional Tips — Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
Harvesting
Stage options: Harvest tassels once the deep crimson color has fully developed but before the seeds begin to drop. Early cutting produces more vivid color for drying, while later harvests yield mature, edible grain.
Cut cleanly: Use sharp pruners or shears. Tassels can exceed two feet in length and may weigh down stems; cutting carefully prevents breakage and preserves ornamental quality.
Production rhythm: Frequent cutting encourages side branching and extended bloom throughout summer and early fall.
Drying prep: For dried arrangements or wreaths, hang tassels upside down in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated space for 10–14 days. When used for seed, allow additional time until the lower bracts turn golden and seeds rub out easily.
Flavor & Nutrition
Profile: Seeds have a nutty, mild flavor similar to quinoa but slightly sweeter. Young leaves can be eaten like spinach, offering tender texture and earthy taste.
Nutrition: High in complete protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, and essential amino acids, making it a historically important grain of the Andes.
Culinary uses: Toast seeds and mix into granola or porridge, pop like miniature popcorn, or grind into flour for gluten-free baking.
Handling
Moderate caution: Tassels shed small seeds when mature—wear gloves and handle gently to avoid scatter.
Display tip: For ornamental use, cluster multiple tassels together in vases or hang as living drapery over trellises for a dramatic effect.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh: Keep cut tassels in water for up to a week before drying. Replace water daily and keep out of direct sunlight.
Drying for display: Hang in bundles upside down, away from humidity or direct light. Dried plumes retain color for several months or longer if kept cool and dry.
Seed storage: Once fully dry, thresh and winnow. Store seeds airtight in a cool, dark space—viable up to 5 years under proper conditions.
Growing & Pruning Tips
Regional adaptation: Love Lies Bleeding thrives in warm climates with long summer days. Plant in full sun for best tassel color and length.
Airflow: Thin dense stands to improve airflow and reduce powdery mildew in humid regions.
Support: Mature plants can become top-heavy—stake if exposed to strong winds or rain.
Self-seeding: If left unharvested, plants will self-sow generously. Thin volunteer seedlings in spring to avoid crowding.
Containers & Watering
Pot size: Use large containers, at least 10–15 gallons, to accommodate long roots and heavy plumes.
Water needs: Provide deep watering once or twice weekly. Avoid frequent shallow watering that promotes weak stems.
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and moderate heat.
Companion Planting & Pollinators
Allies: Corn, zinnias, and marigolds complement amaranth in color and structure while attracting pollinators. Basil and oregano repel aphids and beetles.
Pollinator benefit: The fine, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, enriching biodiversity in ornamental and edible gardens alike.
Seed Saving
True-to-type: Isolate at least 500 feet from other Amaranthus caudatus types to preserve color and form.
Dry thoroughly: Hang seed heads upside down for 10–14 days before threshing. Remove chaff with gentle winnowing.
Storage: Keep in airtight containers, cool and dark. Properly dried seed remains viable 4–5 years.
Common Pests & Problems — Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
Insects & Mites
Aphids (distorted tips, curling leaves, and sticky honeydew residue)
Controls: Knock aphids off with a strong stream of water. Follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until gone. Plant nectar-rich flowers like alyssum, dill, or yarrow to attract lacewings and lady beetles that feed on aphids.
Flea Beetles (tiny pinholes in young leaves; stunted seedlings in dry, sunny weather)
Controls: Protect seedlings with row covers until plants are 10–12 inches tall. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around stems and keep weeds down. Trap crops like mustard or radish can divert flea beetles from main beds.
Spider Mites (yellow stippling and fine webbing on undersides of leaves during hot, dry spells)
Controls: Increase humidity by misting paths and applying mulch. Hose down foliage gently but thoroughly. Apply neem or horticultural oil on leaf undersides every 5–7 days. Introduce predatory mites in greenhouse environments.
Caterpillars (Armyworms, Leafrollers, Corn Earworms) (chewed leaves, holes in plumes, frass pellets near stems)
Controls: Handpick larvae daily in morning hours. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bt) early when caterpillars are small. Encourage birds and parasitic wasps by interplanting sunflowers and dill.
Leaf Miners (pale squiggly trails within leaves)
Controls: Remove infested leaves promptly. Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen, which attracts miner flies. Encourage beneficial wasps by planting nectar sources nearby.
Whiteflies (tiny white insects that scatter when disturbed; sticky residue on leaves)
Controls: Hang yellow sticky traps at canopy height. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days. Remove weeds around the bed that harbor adult whiteflies.
Diseases
Damping-Off (Seedling Rot) (collapsed stems and wilted sprouts)
Prevention: Use sterile, well-drained potting mix. Bottom-water seedlings and provide airflow to prevent excess moisture.
Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) (circular brown or black lesions on leaves; defoliation in humid weather)
Prevention: Space plants for airflow, mulch to reduce soil splash, and water early in the day.
Management: Remove infected leaves and apply copper or sulfur sprays if necessary.
Powdery Mildew (white powdery film on upper leaf surfaces, especially late in the season)
Prevention: Ensure airflow and avoid dense planting. Water the soil, not the foliage.
Management: Remove heavily infected leaves. Treat remaining foliage with potassium bicarbonate or biofungicides containing Bacillus subtilis.
Root & Stem Rot (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, or Phytophthora) (sudden wilting, brown stem lesions at soil line)
Prevention: Maintain excellent drainage and avoid overwatering.
Management: Remove infected plants immediately. Do not replant amaranth or spinach-family crops in the same area for at least three years.
Physiological & Environmental Issues
Sunscald (white or tan patches on tassels and upper leaves)
Fix: Maintain full foliage coverage. Provide light afternoon shade in regions with intense summer heat.
Nutrient Imbalance (weak stems, pale leaves, or faded tassel color)
Fix: Feed lightly with compost tea or balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces lush but weak growth and dulls flower color.
Wind Damage / Lodging (stems bent or broken after storms)
Fix: Stake tall plants or group them for mutual support. Hill soil around the base and apply mulch to strengthen anchorage.
Uneven Coloration / Poor Bloom Development
Cause: Overwatering, insufficient sunlight, or soil nitrogen imbalance.
Fix: Grow in full sun, reduce water slightly after flowering begins, and ensure pH 6.0–7.2 for pigment stability.
Monitoring & Prevention Checklist
Inspect undersides of leaves weekly for early pest signs.
Maintain mulch to stabilize soil moisture and prevent splash-up.
Avoid overhead watering in the evening.
Rotate crops annually; do not replant amaranth or spinach relatives in the same soil within 3 years.
Encourage biodiversity—plant pollinator flowers to attract natural pest predators.
Keep garden edges weed-free to limit pest habitat.
Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) — FAQs
Q: How tall does Love Lies Bleeding grow?
Typically 3–5 feet tall with long, trailing crimson tassels reaching up to 2 feet in length. In rich soil and full sun, plants can exceed 6 feet in height.
Q: How long does it take to mature?
Generally 90–120 Days from sowing. Flowering begins midsummer and continues until frost, with seed heads ripening toward season’s end.
Q: How long does germination take?
Usually 5–10 Days at 70–80°F (21–27°C). Seeds need light to germinate, so press gently into the soil surface instead of burying deeply.
Q: What kind of soil does it prefer?
Well-drained loam or sandy loam with pH 6.0–7.2. Amaranth tolerates poorer soils but produces longer, more vibrant tassels in fertile ground.
Q: Does it tolerate drought?
Yes. Once established, Love Lies Bleeding withstands heat and dry conditions with ease, though consistent watering improves seed and bloom production.
Q: Is Love Lies Bleeding edible?
Yes. Both the young leaves and seeds are edible. The seeds are rich in protein and can be cooked like quinoa or ground into flour.
Q: How do I use it as a dried flower?
Cut tassels when color is vivid but before seeds begin to fall. Hang upside down in a shaded, airy space for 10–14 days. Dried plumes retain their intense red hue for months.
Q: Can it be grown in containers?
Yes, if large enough—at least 10 gallons with good drainage. Choose tall or trailing planters to display the cascading plumes effectively.
Q: How often should I water it?
Moderately. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering, which dulls color and causes weak stems.
Q: Does it reseed itself?
Yes. Love Lies Bleeding self-seeds freely if spent tassels are left in place. To prevent volunteers, harvest seed heads before they dry completely.
Q: What pollinators does it attract?
A wide variety—especially bees, hoverflies, and butterflies drawn to its nectar-rich blooms.
Q: How can I harvest the seeds?
Allow tassels to dry until the lower bracts turn tan and seeds rub out easily. Cut, hang, and thresh gently once fully dry. Seeds store well for several years in a cool, airtight container.
Q: Is it related to other edible amaranths?
Yes. Amaranthus caudatus is part of the same genus as grain and leafy amaranths cultivated in Mesoamerica, Africa, and Asia.
Q: Can I grow it for grain production?
Yes, though it’s best grown for ornamental use. For grain, allow tassels to fully ripen and dry before harvesting, as the seeds are nutritious and high in protein.
Q: What does the name “Love Lies Bleeding” mean?
The name emerged in 17th-century Europe, inspired by the plant’s trailing, blood-red tassels—seen as symbols of devotion, sacrifice, and enduring love.
History & Culture — Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth is one of the most ancient and symbolically rich heirlooms in cultivation, known as much for its cascading crimson tassels as for its deep historical and cultural roots. The species originates in the highlands of South America, where Indigenous peoples—most notably the Inca and their Andean predecessors—cultivated Amaranthus caudatus as a sacred grain known as kiwicha. Alongside maize and quinoa, it formed a cornerstone of pre-Columbian agriculture and nutrition, valued for its protein-rich seed and resilience in the thin soils and harsh climates of the Andes.
In Incan society, amaranth held ceremonial importance that extended far beyond food. The tiny seeds were blended with honey or human blood to form ritual effigies representing deities of fertility and renewal—then ceremonially consumed in acts of communal reverence. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they saw these rituals as pagan and dangerous, banning amaranth cultivation throughout their colonies. Despite persecution, Indigenous farmers secretly preserved the crop in hidden terraces and mountain gardens, ensuring its survival through centuries of cultural suppression.
By the 17th century, Love Lies Bleeding reached Europe through colonial trade networks. Its pendulous, blood-red blooms captured the imagination of herbalists and horticulturalists, and the name “Love Lies Bleeding” emerged in English botanical writings—an evocative reflection of the plant’s trailing form and the sentimental, romantic symbolism of the age. European gardeners prized it both as a curiosity from the New World and as a living emblem of devotion, endurance, and melancholy beauty.
Today, Love Lies Bleeding stands at the crossroads of food and ornament—a plant both practical and poetic. It remains a beloved heirloom in gardens around the world, cultivated for its dual legacy as a sacred grain of the Andes and an enduring symbol of resilience. To grow it is to honor one of humanity’s oldest partnerships with the land—a lineage of nourishment, ceremony, and color that refuses to fade.
Saving seeds from Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus):
1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:
Choose healthy plants with long, trailing red seed heads.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:
Timing: Allow the seed heads to mature and dry on the plant.
Collection: Cut the seed heads on a dry day.
3. Drying Seeds:
Hang the seed heads upside down in a paper bag to catch seeds as they fall.
Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
4. Cleaning Seeds:
Separation: Rub the seed heads to release the seeds.
Inspection: Ensure seeds are clean and free from mold or pests.
5. Storing Seeds:
Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within two to three years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:
Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:
Isolation: Maintain distance between different amaranth varieties.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Uses and Benefits:
Love Lies Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is cultivated for its dramatic, cascading red flower spikes, making it a popular choice in ornamental gardening. The flowers can be used fresh or dried in floral arrangements.
The seeds and leaves are edible and highly nutritious, used in various culinary dishes around the world. Amaranth seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, making them a valuable food source. The plant has been used traditionally to support cardiovascular health, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Amaranth Seeds - Love Lies Bleeding
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
The heirloom that drapes the garden in living velvet. Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) cascades in long, crimson tassels that sway like strands of silk in the summer breeze. Each plume can reach over two feet in length, pouring from upright stems in dramatic, blood-red streams that evoke both ancient ritual and timeless beauty. Beneath the show lies resilience—this centuries-old variety thrives in heat, drought, and lean soil where lesser flowers fade.
Plants reach 3–5 feet tall, crowned with lush green leaves and vivid scarlet blooms that continue from midsummer through frost. Once grown as both ornament and grain, its seeds were a sacred staple of Indigenous American agriculture and remain edible today—tiny, nutty, and high in protein. The striking tassels make excellent dried flowers or harvest decorations, holding their color long after cutting.
Love Lies Bleeding has traveled the globe since its Andean origins, capturing the imaginations of gardeners from Incan terraces to Victorian estates. Its name, first recorded in 16th-century Europe, echoes the symbolism of sacrifice and devotion once tied to the crimson amaranth in Aztec and Inca ceremonies. Today, it remains a botanical icon of passion and endurance—an heirloom that transforms any bed or border into a cascade of living fire.
