Orange Giant

Family: Amaranthaceae Grain

Sun-warmed plumes in vivid orange-gold rise above the garden like torchlight, and the grain within carries a pleasantly nutty, earthy flavor with a gentle sweetness.

Orange Giant forms bold, upright heads that thresh cleanly into abundant seed—ideal for hearty grain bowls, comforting porridge, and robust baking, as well as for thickening sauces and for sprouting into tender greens. An heirloom annual with a satisfying, harvest-ready presence, it rewards attentive growers with generous yields and a striking color that lingers long after the first frost.

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

Orange Giant amaranth tastes like a toasted grain—earthy and nutty with a mild sweetness that holds up in slow-cooked bowls and spoonable porridge. Its seeds cook into a satisfying, chewy bite (and can go from silky-thickening to pleasantly firm), making it a strong stand-in for other hearty grains in winter cooking.

Best Uses

hearty grain bowls with warm, saucy components
thick porridge cooked with milk or coconut for a creamy set
rustic baking where a nutty flour-like character is welcome
sprouted greens for a tender, quick salad or wilt

Flavor Profile

nutty, earthy aroma gentle sweetness toasty grain bite with a pleasantly chewy texture

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic honey tomato butter coconut milk

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Orange Giant), and how do I treat it?

Watch for leaf-chewing caterpillars (often cutworms/armyworm types) and aphids, which cluster on tender growth and can stunt plants. Hand-pick early infestations and spray infested foliage with insecticidal soap, coating undersides; for heavy caterpillar pressure, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and repeat as directed. If you see dark, water-soaked spots that spread in humid weather, improve airflow (space plants) and remove affected leaves to slow fungal spread.

How often should I water Orange Giant amaranth during active growth?

Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist during germination and the first few weeks, but avoid soggy conditions. After plants are established, water deeply about 1–2 times per week so roots stay consistently moist without puddling; let the surface dry slightly between waterings. Stress from drought can reduce leaf size and overall vigor over the ~90-day season.

How can I tell when Orange Giant amaranth is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach mature height and the inflorescences/leaf growth are fully formed—typically around 90 days from sowing. For leafy harvest, pick outer leaves regularly when they’re crisp and at good size, before leaves become tough. If harvesting seed heads, wait until they turn their mature color and begin to dry, then cut heads on a dry day and finish drying indoors to prevent mold.