Several species are grown as a leafy vegetable and for cooked greens. Plant height ranges from 3 to 9 feet tall. Predominantly self-pollinated, plant flowers are purple, red, pink, orange, or green. Seed colors of the grain types are white, tan, gold, and pink. The plants are indeterminate, but tend to have a dominate seedhead with fewer side branches than weedy amaranths.
Many amaranths are sensitive to day length, which is useful in developing varieties.
Research results Grain yields in Kansas have been variable, primarily because of stand-establishment problems. Preliminary testing at Fort Hays Branch Experiment Station in 1985 with 6 varieties indicated yields of 1,200 to 2,000 pounds per acre, with a test average of 1,600 pounds per acre. Seed shattering resulted in grain losses of 1,000 pounds per acre with some varieties. Plant heights were 62 and 75 inches, and lodging was severe on both soil types. Cultural practices Planting depth.