An ancient, annual, heat-loving grain from the New world that is just now being rediscovered as an excellent food source. A member of one of the great weed species so will grow in almost any garden soil. Thrives in heat and full sun - in fact shows a high endurance for summer heat and drought. Best to keep watered though. Often grown as an ornamental - and if you do, do not enrich the soil as poor soil brings out the colors. Both the leaves and the grain are high in protein and vitamins. Amaranth provides essential amino acids missing in other grains, in particular has a double dose of lysine which is often missing in vegetarian diets. The leaves are eaten like spinach, but are less acid, and so you get more of the nutrients. The grain heads are high-yielding.Varieties are chosen for optimal leaf or grain - we have both vegetable and grain types - see our Grains section for grain amaranth. Both types are very ornamental, love heat, and are easy to grow. Plant after all danger of frost is past in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Start after your last frost date when soil is warm. When seeds first start to drop to the ground cut heads and hang in protected place with good ventilation over tarp or plastic to catch seeds. When dry rub heads to remove seeds and winnow. Also known Chinese spinach. Leaves are eaten raw, obiled, steamed, or stir-fried. Used as a nutritious vegetable, in soups, stews, curries, fritatas, omlettes, pastas, sauces, etc. Tampalas large leaves can be used as a wrap like grape leaves. The crisp interior of large stems are a fine cooked vegetable like asparagus.. A. tricolor / W,H/Matures 6/Harvest 4/Yield 68-272/Spacing 6