Mayo Grain

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Warm, nutty kernels with a softly earthy sweetness—Mayo Grain amaranth delivers a satisfying bite from harvest to bowl.

The seed heads mature into dramatic, plume-like clusters that dry down reliably, producing abundant grain with a fine, even texture ideal for hearty staples and traditional grain preparations. Grow it for its striking presence in the garden and its dependable, flavor-forward yield at about 90 days.

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)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Mayo Grain’s kernels are built for a chewy, satisfying mouthfeel—think toasted-grain flavor that doesn’t disappear in liquid. I like it where it can hang onto its bite: porridge, stews, or grain bowls dressed with something bright and fatty like butter and lemon.

Best Uses

dry-rubbed toast for a crunchy breakfast bowl
simmered grain base for hearty salads that hold dressing
nutty porridge using milk or coconut milk
stir-through thickening for soups and ragù-like stews

Flavor Profile

warm, nutty bite softly earthy sweetness toasty, grainy chew lightly mineral finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter honey toasted nuts black beans chili powder lemon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Amaranthus cruentus (mayo grain), and how can I control it?

For mayo grain (Amaranthus cruentus), watch for aphids and leaf-chewing caterpillars that can quickly defoliate young plants. Rinse aphids off with a strong water spray and use insecticidal soap for repeat outbreaks, and remove visible caterpillars by hand early in the day. If you see spots and fungal leaf disease in humid weather, improve airflow by thinning and water at the soil line rather than overhead.

How often should I water Amaranthus cruentus during its main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—typically watering about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and soil. Once plants are established, allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root stress, while avoiding long dry spells that slow leaf and seed development. Water early in the day and target the base of the plants.

How do I know when to harvest Amaranthus cruentus (mayo grain)?

Harvest when the flower/seed heads turn from green to tan-brown and the seeds feel firm in the head, usually around 90 days. Cut or snap the seed heads in the morning, then dry them in a warm, airy place until seeds easily release when rubbed. If seeds are still soft or heads are still green, leave them to dry longer rather than harvesting early.