Amaranthus blitum Seeds | Purple Amaranth

Amaranthus retroflexus seed

LATIN NAME: Amaranthus blitum

COMMON NAME: Purple Amaranth, Livid Amaranth

Plant Profile

Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is a sprawling annual herb of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), native to the Mediterranean region and now widespread in the warm temperate world. It forms low mats or ascending stems 20-60 cm long, with small, oval, often purple-tinged leaves and inconspicuous green flower spikes. Like its relatives it is gathered as a wild green in many countries, and it is a familiar weed of gardens and fields.

Science & Biotechnology

Within the Amaranthus group, Amaranthus blitum is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Comparative studies across the wider Amaranthus genus have also examined this species’ place within complex taxonomy of a group containing both major grain crops and troublesome agricultural weeds. For practical purposes the message is encouraging: generations of cultivation have produced plants of predictable, well-mannered garden character.

Uses & Benefits

Purple Amaranth works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Outside these culinary uses, it also occurs as a minor weed of disturbed and cultivated ground across much of its very wide naturalised range. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.

Amaranth is a dual-purpose plant: the grain-like seeds are a complete protein food rich in lysine, and the leaves are a nutritious green eaten across the tropics. Folk medicine has long used the plant as a mild astringent.

Growing from Seed

Purple Amaranth grows readily from seed. Sow fine seed onto surface of a loose, well-drained mix without covering it deeply, keeping medium consistently moist and warm. Full sun suits this fast-growing annual well, and it typically germinates and establishes quickly once conditions are warm, reflecting its origin as an adaptable Mediterranean warm-season plant. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.

Our Take

The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Purple Amaranth, Livid Amaranth earns its space through character rather than fuss. Careful watering early on is rewarded by toughness at maturity.

Herb Seeds