The nutritional properties of amaranths have recently been rediscovered around the world. In countries such as Greece, Africa, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet and China, amaranths are used as edible greens, herbs, and grains. One of the largest areas of grain Amaranthus production is now in Nebraska. Fortunately, the beauty of the amaranthus did not escape some Europeans and they cultivated it, not as an edible, but for its ornamental qualities. The resultant cultivars are both heat and drought tolerant.
Amaranths are easy to grow so long as they have full sun.
They do well against a warm, southern wall and after established, will thrive in poor soil and tolerate dry conditions. The foliage of all varieties is edible, highly nutritious and has been described as tasting like spinach. Flowers grow on tassels, erect or drooping, and up to one foot or more in length. They range in color from bright red and maroon to a chartreuse green, and resemble heavy chenille. The red and maroon Amaranthus caudatus were popular in Victorian gardens and have an old-fashioned image.