How to Grow Red Amaranth Microgreens Like a Pro (Beginners Growing Guide)

If you've ever tried growing amaranth microgreens and ended up with mold, pale colors, or frustrating harvests—you’re not alone.

Amaranth is often called the diva of the microgreens world. Stunning to look at, but high-maintenance to grow. Many farms avoid it completely. But with the right setup and strategy, it becomes one of the most visually striking and profitable crops you can add to your microgreens lineup.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to grow vibrant, deep red amaranth microgreens from seed to harvest, using everything I learned after producing over 250,000 trays on one of Canada's largest organic microgreens farms.

👉 Prefer to watch instead? Check out the full video here:📺 Watch on YouTube

Why Grow Amaranth Microgreens?

✅ Jaw-dropping color – Deep red stems and magenta leaves

✅ Mild, earthy taste – Chefs love it for subtle flavor and bold visuals

✅ Low competition – Most growers give up on it, so you stand out

✅ High profit margin – Boutique crop = premium prices

✅ Perfect for mixes – Adds contrast and beauty to any microgreen blend

What You’ll Need to Grow Amaranth Microgreens

To grow amaranth successfully, don’t cheap out on your gear—use quality equipment to avoid mold, rot, and uneven growth:

• LED grow lights – Use 3 lights per 4 trays, ideally “blurple” spectrum

• 1020 trays (with holes) – I use these Bootstrap Farmer trays

• 1020 trays (no holes) – For bottom watering

• High-quality soil – I recommend Pro-Mix HP (or peat moss) + Gaia Green 4-4-4 fertilizer

• Red Garnet Amaranth seeds – Johnny’s Seeds is my top pick

• Vermiculite (optional) – Helps reduce mold during germination

• Grow rack – Fits 20 trays in 6 sqft; great for small-space setups

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: The right light spectrum makes all the difference. Blurple/red-blue LEDs help amaranth develop that rich red color—white light can leave it dull and washed out.

Step-by-Step: How to Grow Amaranth Microgreens

1. Prepare Your Soil and Trays

• Mix in Gaia Green All Purpose 4-4-4 fertilizer at ~30–40g per gallon of soil

• Fill trays to the top and level the surface flat for even seeding

2. Seed Your Trays

• Use 4–6g of red garnet amaranth seeds per tray

  • 4g = more airflow, better for beginners

  • 6g = higher yield but more disease risk

• Using a seeding tool will make a huge difference in mold prevention as its difficult to get even seed distribution with tiny seeds like amaranth.

3. (Optional) Add Vermiculite

Topcoat with a light layer of vermiculite to help with moisture retention and prevent mold.

4. Water and Germinate

• Lightly water the top ½ inch of soil—don’t soak

• Stack trays for 2 days

• Once seeds sprout, move trays under light

5. Lighting and Growth Phase

• Unstack trays and place them into bottom trays (no holes)

• Water with 300–400ml (adjust based on dryness)

• Run lights for 18 hours/day with a WiFi timer

• Keep room temp 21–24°C (70–75°F)—warmer = root rot risk

• Water every 2–3 days or as needed

6. Harvest at Peak Beauty

• Amaranth is ready in 14–16 days

• Use a sharp knife or the Quick Cut Greens Harvester for clean cuts

• Aim for 110–150g yield per tray

⚠️ Important: Always harvest when leaves are dry. Run a fan the day before harvest to extend shelf life.

Pro Tips to Master Amaranth Microgreens

🌱 Don’t overseed – More seeds = less airflow and more mold

💧 Avoid overwatering – Amaranth hates wet feet

🌬️ Airflow matters – Run a fan the day before harvest to keep leaves dry

💡 Use proper grow lights – Blurple/red-blue LEDs give the best color

🌾 Fertilize! – Without Gaia Green, your yields may drop by up to 75%

How to Sell Amaranth Microgreens

Once you’ve nailed the grow, here’s how to sell amaranth and boost your income:

• 📦 Package in 4 oz clamshells – Sell to chefs and restaurants

• 🥬 Add to your mixes – Just 10–20% amaranth makes any blend pop

• 🛒 Farmers markets or grocery – A standout color sells itself

  
  

Amaranth gives you a competitive edge because most growers avoid it—and chefs love the color.

Start Growing (And Selling) With Confidence

Amaranth is a diva crop—but once you get the hang of it, it becomes one of your most reliable profit drivers. All it takes is the right environment, the right tools, and the right plan.

📘 Download My Free Microgreens Mastery Growing Guide

🎥 Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube

Want help starting or scaling your microgreens business?

🎓 Watch my FREE Microgreens Business Training💬 Or book a 1-on-1 coaching session to fast-track your farm’s success.