Red Amaranth Microgreen Seeds - Amarosa

Red amaranth is a fine-seeded, warm-growing microgreen that performs best with an even sowing, gentle moisture and good airflow. The seedlings are considerably more delicate than crops such as radish, pea and sunflower, so avoid excessive seed density, heavy weighting and waterlogged growing media. If you are new to tray growing, see our How to Grow Microgreens at Home guide for the general process.

What You Need

• Red Amaranth Microgreen Seeds
• A clean tray with drainage, such as the Microgreen & Wheatgrass Grow Tray
• A solid lower tray for bottom watering
• Fine seed-raising mix, coco fibre, fine propagation mix or another suitable microgreen medium
• Clean, drinking-quality water
• Fine mist sprayer
• An inverted tray or suitable blackout cover
• Bright natural light or suitable grow lights

Seed Rate

For a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray, start with approximately:

7–10g of seed per tray

Amaranth seed is extremely fine. Spread it as evenly as possible and avoid thick patches, as excessive density restricts airflow and can increase moisture-related problems.

If using a tray of a different size, adjust the quantity proportionally.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soak required.

Sow the seed dry directly onto the prepared growing medium.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the equipment. Wash and thoroughly rinse trays, covers and tools before beginning a new crop.
2. Prepare the growing medium. Add approximately 2–3cm of fine growing medium to the tray. Coco Fibre Growing Medium is suitable, as are fine seed-raising and propagation mixes. Level the surface and moisten evenly. It should be damp but not saturated.
3. Sow the seed. Broadcast approximately 7–10g evenly across a 25 × 50cm tray. Take particular care to avoid clusters because the seeds are extremely small.
4. Improve seed contact. Press the seeds very lightly against the surface. Do not bury them deeply and do not apply heavy weight.
5. Mist gently. Use a fine spray of clean water so the seeds are moistened without being washed into piles.
6. Cover for germination. Place an inverted tray or suitable blackout cover over the crop for approximately 2–4 days. Heavy weighted germination is not required.
7. Check moisture daily. Keep the surface evenly moist during germination without saturating the growing medium. Germination will commonly begin within approximately 2–3 days.
8. Move into light. Once the seedlings are established, remove the blackout cover and move the tray into good natural light or beneath suitable grow lights.
9. Maintain airflow. Provide steady air movement around the crop without directing excessive drying airflow straight at the delicate seedlings.
10. Bottom water once established. When roots have developed through the medium, add a shallow amount of water to the lower tray and allow the growing medium to draw moisture upward. Do not leave the crop permanently standing in deep water.

Blackout & Weighting

Allow approximately 2–4 days of covered germination or blackout.

Red amaranth does not need the substantial physical pressure commonly used for crops such as sunflower or peas. Gentle seed-to-medium contact is sufficient.

Remove the cover once the seedlings are established and beginning to lift.

Temperature & Light

Aim for approximately 20–25°C.

Amaranth is a warm-growing crop and may germinate more slowly or unevenly in cool conditions.

Once uncovered, provide good light to encourage compact growth and strong deep-red colouring. Avoid excessively hot conditions or intense sunlight that causes the tray to overheat or dry rapidly.

Watering

Red amaranth performs best with consistent but controlled moisture.

• Keep the growing medium evenly moist rather than saturated.
• Mist or gently surface-water during early establishment where required.
• Switch to bottom watering once the roots are established.
• Avoid repeatedly soaking the fine foliage.
• Do not leave the tray permanently sitting in deep water.
• Maintain good drainage and airflow.

The seedlings are relatively delicate and are less tolerant of excessive moisture than vigorous crops such as radish or pea shoots.

For more detail on when to change from misting to watering from below, see How to Water Microgreens: Misting vs Bottom Watering.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not pre-soak the seed.
• Use a fine, level growing medium.
• Distribute the tiny seeds as evenly as possible.
• Avoid excessive seeding density.
• Do not use heavy weight during germination.
• Keep conditions warm during germination.
• Avoid waterlogging.
• Bottom water once roots establish.
• Maintain good airflow.
• Provide adequate light for strong red colouring.
• Handle the delicate stems and leaves carefully.

Harvest & Storage

Red amaranth microgreens are generally ready approximately 10–14 days after sowing, depending on temperature, light and growing conditions.

Look for:

• fully developed cotyledons;
• an established, even canopy;
• strong deep-red colouring; and
• healthy, upright growth.

Cut the stems cleanly just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife.

Harvesting while the foliage is relatively dry can make handling and storage easier.

Refrigerate harvested microgreens promptly in a clean container. Avoid packing the crop while it is dripping wet.

Growing as Baby Leaf

Red amaranth can also be grown beyond the microgreen stage as edible baby leaf.

For baby leaf production:

1. Sow considerably less densely than for microgreens.
2. Provide additional growing medium and root space.
3. Continue growing beyond the cotyledon stage.
4. Maintain suitable light, moisture and airflow.
5. Harvest tender young leaves once they reach the preferred size.

Baby leaves may be ready in approximately 3–4 weeks, depending on temperature, light and growing conditions.

Growing to Full Size

Red amaranth can also be grown as mature leafy amaranth or Chinese spinach.

Direct-sow into larger containers or garden beds, or transplant established seedlings and allow them to develop larger edible foliage. Young leaves can be eaten fresh, while larger leaves are particularly suited to cooking.

Clean Growing / Food Safety

Use clean trays, growing media, water and harvesting equipment when producing microgreens for eating.

Maintain good drainage and airflow and avoid continuously saturated growing conditions.

At harvest, cut above the growing medium and minimise contact between harvested foliage and roots, seed remnants or growing media.

Discard the crop if you observe spreading mould, slime, decay, collapsed seedlings or an abnormal smell.

Refrigerate harvested microgreens promptly and follow normal food-handling practices before eating.

Seed Storage

Keep unused seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark location away from heat and moisture.

For longer-term storage, refrigeration can help maintain seed viability. If seed has been refrigerated, allow the sealed package to return to room temperature before opening it to reduce the risk of condensation forming on the seed.