Elena&
A couple of Baker Creek gardeners laugh while holding tall Elena&
A close-up view of Elena&
A floral arrangement of Elena&
A MESA intern wearing his traditional Sri Lanka dress while holding an armful of Elena&
A hand holding yarn that was dyed with Elena&
Elena&
A couple of Baker Creek gardeners laugh while holding tall Elena&
A close-up view of Elena&
A floral arrangement of Elena&
A MESA intern wearing his traditional Sri Lanka dress while holding an armful of Elena&
A hand holding yarn that was dyed with Elena&

Amaranth Seeds,
Elena's Rojo

4.815 Reviews#AM142 · 100 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Description

(Amaranthus cruentus). Rich red blooms mark a grain crop with deep roots in Guatemalan agriculture. Revived by Maya communities in Baja Verapaz after near loss, this variety honors Elena, whose efforts helped preserve it. Producing nourishing grain while supporting Qachuu Aloom, it represents both sustenance and cultural restoration. A powerful blend of history, purpose, and productivity. We donate 100% of the proceeds of each sale of this item to Qachuu Aloom, a Guatemalan seed saving organization.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Amaranthus cruentus
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
90–100
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
12–15 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, or direct sow outdoors once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed. This warm-season crop grows best with long summer days. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds in well-drained soil at a depth of ⅛ inch and cover lightly. Space seedlings 12 to 15 inches apart in rows or blocks. Water lightly but consistently to maintain moisture during germination and early seedling growth.

How to Grow

Provide full sun and moderate watering. Once established, Elena’s Rojo is drought-tolerant and relatively pest-resistant. Harvest young leaves regularly for continual production, or allow plants to mature fully for grain harvesting.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow seed heads to dry completely on the plant
  • Clip and store heads in a dry, well-ventilated space, or in a paper bag indoors
  • Rub seed heads gently to release seeds
  • Use a fine screen or winnow to remove chaff
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry location for future planting

FAQ

Can Elena’s Rojo amaranth be grown for both leaves and grain?

Yes, it is a dual-purpose variety. Harvest tender leaves early for salads or sauteing, and let the plants mature until the red seed heads dry; the grain itself is pale cream to gold, and it shatters readily, so gather the heads as soon as seed drops when one is shaken.

Will this variety grow well in poor soil?

Absolutely. Amaranth is well-adapted to thrive in low-fertility soils. While rich soil may increase leaf yield, Elena’s Rojo performs reliably even in dry, nutrient-depleted conditions with minimal inputs.

Can I harvest seeds without special equipment?

Yes. Once the seed heads are dry, you can rub them between your hands and sift them to collect seeds. A mesh strainer or simple winnowing method is sufficient for home-scale harvesting.

Browse our full range of amaranth seeds.

Customer reviews

4.8 / 5 15 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Towering plants: Stalks reach 6 to 10 feet; stake them where it is windy.

  • Brilliant red: Deep maroon-red plumes that hold color all summer.

  • Heat and drought tough: Kept growing through dry summers that killed the rest.

  • Easy to start: Near full germination; tiny seedlings take off once established.

  • Greens and grain: Young leaves eaten like spinach; seed harvest is abundant.

More to grow!

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