Hopi Red Dye Amaranth in a purple glass bottle on white.
A stalk of Hopi Red Dye Amaranth on a white background.
A Hopi Red Dye Amaranth plant growing in the greenhouses at Baker Creek.
A floral arrangement of Hopi Red Dye Amaranth in a purple glass bottle on a dark brown background.
Guatemalan Seed Savers from nonprofit Qachuu Aloom show the seed harvest from Hopi Red Dye Amaranth.
Hopi Red Dye Amaranth in a purple glass bottle on white.
A stalk of Hopi Red Dye Amaranth on a white background.
A Hopi Red Dye Amaranth plant growing in the greenhouses at Baker Creek.
A floral arrangement of Hopi Red Dye Amaranth in a purple glass bottle on a dark brown background.
Guatemalan Seed Savers from nonprofit Qachuu Aloom show the seed harvest from Hopi Red Dye Amaranth.

Amaranth Seeds,
Hopi Red Dye

4.621 Reviews#AM134 · 100 seeds
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Description

(Amaranthus cruentus). A stunningly vibrant ornamental with myriad traditional indigenous uses. Originally grown as a dye plant by the southwestern Hopi Nation, this variety has the reddest seedlings of any amaranth known. Plants reach 4 to 6 feet and cut a most striking figure in the garden! The Hopis use the deep red flower bract as a natural dye to color their world-renowned piki bread. The brilliant red dye rendered from its flowers can be used in craft projects and as a natural food dye—the possibilities are endless. The young leaves are excellent sautéed.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Amaranthus cruentus
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
3–4
Days to Maturity
90
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Direct sow Hopi Red Dye amaranth outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, typically in late spring. Seeds can also be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date for an earlier start. In warm climates, succession sowing every few weeks extends the harvest season. 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

Sow seeds directly in the garden at a depth of ¼ inch in well-draining, fertile soil. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their substantial mature size. Amaranth seeds are very small and can be mixed with sand for more even distribution. Thin seedlings once they reach 2 to 3 inches tall. A sunny, open location will bring out the deepest color in the foliage and flowers.

How to Grow

Hopi Red Dye amaranth is heat-loving and drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering in most climates. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at planting; avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flower production. Pinching the central growing tip encourages bushier plants with more flower heads. Deadheading spent blooms prolongs the display and reduces unwanted self-seeding.

How to Save Seeds

Allow flower heads to mature and dry fully on the plant before harvesting; seeds are ready when they release easily from the head when rubbed.

  • Cut seed heads and place them in a paper bag to finish drying indoors for 1–2 weeks
  • Thresh the dried seed heads by rubbing them between your hands over a clean surface; use a gentle fan or breeze to winnow away the chaff
  • Amaranth cross-pollinates readily via wind; isolate by at least ¼ mile from other amaranth varieties for pure seed, or grow only one variety per season
  • Store cleaned seed in a cool, dry, airtight container; amaranth seed remains viable for 3 to 5 years under proper conditions

FAQ

Can I eat Hopi Red Dye amaranth, or is it strictly ornamental?

This variety is both ornamental and edible. Young leaves can be sauteed like spinach, and the seeds can be cooked as a grain.

How do I use the flowers as a natural dye?

Simmer fresh or dried flower heads in water to extract the red pigment. It can be used for craft and fiber projects, and the Hopi traditionally use the flower bract to color their piki bread.

Will Hopi Red Dye amaranth self-seed in my garden?

Yes, amaranth self-seeds readily if flower heads are left to mature. Deadhead spent blooms before seeds develop if you wish to prevent volunteer plants next season.

Browse our full range of amaranth seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 21 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Vibrant color: Deep red foliage and magenta plumes that stand out all season.

  • Easy to grow: Nearly every seed comes up and plants shoot up fast.

  • Grows tall: Reaches 4 to 6 feet or more; may need staking when huge.

  • Dye and greens: Flowers dye yarn pink; young leaves cook like spinach.

  • Reseeds freely: Expect volunteers next year; cut heads before seed drops.

More to grow!

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