Plume

Family: Amaranthaceae Vegetable

Feather-soft plumes rise above the garden in a living cascade of color, and when the seedheads mature they reward you with a nutty, gently earthy grain that feels satisfyingly substantial.

Plume amaranth forms dense, upright panicles that dry down cleanly for reliable harvest, with seed that’s rich in character and ideal for wholesome, homegrown grain use. Grow it for its bold, ornamental presence and its dependable, pantry-ready 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)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Plume amaranth cooks into a tight, chewy grain with a nutty, lightly earthy finish—less fluffy than quinoa, more satisfyingly substantial. Toasting before simmering sharpens the grain’s aroma, making it a strong base for acidic, smoky flavors like lime and chile.

Best Uses

cook like rice for a nutty, chewy base that holds a spoon
brew into a thick porridge with milk or coconut for a porridge that clings
toast the dry seed then simmer for a risotto-like, grain-forward dish
grind into gluten-free flour for dense flatbreads or rustic pancakes

Flavor Profile

nutty, faintly earthy bite toasty, grainy warmth slightly chewy, substantial texture

Kitchen Pairings

black beans lime chile powder toasted sesame olive oil coconut milk

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus cruentus (plume), and what should I do about it?

Watch for leaf-chewing caterpillars and aphids; they often show up as holes in leaves or sticky residue on young growth. Hand-pick caterpillars early, blast aphids off with a strong water spray, and treat with insecticidal soap if populations persist. Also monitor for fungal leaf spots in humid weather—remove badly affected leaves and improve airflow so the foliage dries quickly.

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

During active growth (roughly after it reaches a few inches tall until harvest), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy. In full sun, this usually means watering deeply about 1–2 times per week, and more often during hot, dry spells. If the soil stays wet or plants wilt in wet soil, adjust by letting the surface dry slightly before watering again.

How can I tell when Amaranthus cruentus (plume) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flowering plumes are fully formed and look dense and mature rather than thin or just starting to emerge—this is typically around 90 days from sowing. For tender greens, you can start cutting outer leaves earlier, but wait until plants are well-established for the best flavor and plume fullness. Avoid harvesting plumes that are shedding pollen excessively or turning dull/crumbly, as that indicates past peak quality.