Golden Giant

Family: Amaranthaceae Grain

Sunlit and bold, Golden Giant amaranth pours forth warm golden plumes that shimmer above the garden like living fireworks.

The seed is rich and nutty with a pleasantly earthy sweetness, and the grain’s fine, resilient texture lends itself beautifully to hearty staples and wholesome blends. Grow this standout for a dependable 90-day harvest window and a striking, ornamental-to-edible presence all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Golden Giant amaranth cooks up with a resilient, toothsome bite and a nutty, earthy sweetness that tastes toasted even after simmering. I like it when you want that grainy crunch to survive a hot broth or a bright citrus vinaigrette without going soft.

Best Uses

cooked amaranth porridge or breakfast bowl where it thickens without turning gummy
grain base for hearty salads—holds vinaigrette and stays pleasantly firm
nutty, gluten-free swap for rice or couscous in hot sides
toasted-amaranth toppings for soups and stews for a crunchy cap

Flavor Profile

toasty, nutty flavor with earthy sweetness tiny-grain crunch transitioning to tender chew when cooked warm, slightly grassy/grain-malt aroma

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter lime black beans roasted squash chicken or pork

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (Golden Giant), and how can I prevent it?

Golden Giant (Amaranthus cruentus) is commonly hit by aphids and, in humid weather, can develop powdery mildew on leaves. Spray aphids off with a strong water jet, then treat remaining clusters with insecticidal soap; mildew is best controlled by keeping plants spaced for airflow and avoiding overhead watering (water the soil). If mildew starts spreading, remove heavily affected leaves to reduce spores and re-check that the stand is not staying damp overnight.

How often should I water Golden Giant during its main growing phase to keep soil moisture right?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—water deeply when that surface layer starts to dry. In typical summer conditions this is often about 1 inch of water per week total (from rainfall + irrigation), but adjust so the plants never sit in saturated soil. Mulching helps stabilize moisture because Amaranthus cruentus has shallow, easily disturbed roots.

How do I know when Golden Giant (Amaranthus cruentus) is ready to harvest at ~90 days?

Harvest when the flower/seed heads are fully formed and have turned from green to their mature golden-brown color, and the seeds feel firm rather than soft. For seed, rub a few heads between your fingers—if seeds release easily and don’t smear, they’re ready. Cut the heads in the morning, then dry them further in a warm, airy spot before storing.