🌱 How to Grow Red Amaranthus (Red Math) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: लाल चौलाई

• Tamil: சிவப்பு தண்டுக்கீரை

• Telugu: ఎర్ర తోటకూర

• Malayalam: ചുവപ്പ് ചീര

• Kannada: ಕೆಂಪು ಹಾರಿವೆ ಸೊಪ್ಪು

• English: Red Amaranth / Red Math

• Botanical name: Amaranthus cruentus

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season leafy green

• Best time to sow:

  • February–October

  • Can be grown year-round in tropical climates

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 32°C

• Avoid frost-prone months

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, fertile, and well-drained

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Mix in organic compost or well-rotted manure for nutrient-rich soil

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow very shallow — about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Sprinkle seeds thinly in rows or broadcast over the bed

  • Thin seedlings to 3–5 inches apart as they grow

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination

• Water early in the morning or evening

• Avoid overwatering — ensure good drainage

5. Germination

• Germinates in 3–7 days

• Thin seedlings after 2–3 weeks to avoid overcrowding

• Grows quickly after sprouting

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Thrives in warm climates

• Partial shade tolerated, but color and taste improve with more sunlight

7. Fertilization

• Add vermicompost or organic compost every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid chemical fertilizers for leafy greens

• Apply diluted liquid compost for a quick nutrient boost

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles

• Spray neem oil + soap solution every 10–15 days

• Handpick visible pests and maintain weed-free surroundings

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 25–35 days

• Harvest young, tender leaves for best taste

• You can do cut-and-come-again harvesting — cut 3–4 inches above ground and allow regrowth

10. Regrow Tip

• Let a few plants mature and produce seeds

• Collect dry seeds, store in a cool place for the next season

• One plant can yield hundreds of seeds

❤️ Health Benefits of Red Amaranthus

• Rich in iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants

• Supports blood health and skin health

• High in fiber — aids digestion

• Helps combat anemia and fatigue