Red Cat's Tail

Family: Amaranthaceae Grain

Velvet-red plumes cascade like a torchlight fountain, each seed head swelling with a deep, wine-bright glow that holds its color through the season.

Red Cat's Tail grain amaranth forms a sturdy, upright-to-climbing habit that yields abundant, tiny seeds with a pleasantly nutty, earthy flavor and a satisfying, hearty texture. Grow it for striking ornamental impact and for grain harvest—ideal for flavorful amaranth blends, warm porridges, and robust, seed-forward dishes that celebrate its bold character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Red Cat's Tail

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

This grain amaranth earns its keep with tiny seeds that stay chewy and nutty, giving you that satisfying bite in porridge and pilaf. Toasting deepens the earthy notes and keeps it from tasting flat next to bold spices like cumin and smoked paprika.

Best Uses

warm porridges cooked low and slow until the grains soften but stay intact
seed-forward pilafs where it stays toothy instead of turning mushy
toasted amaranth used like a crunchy topping for salads and yogurt bowls
thickening base for robust stews and bean soups

Flavor Profile

toasty nutty flavor earthy, slightly grassy undertone pleasantly chewy, hearty texture

Kitchen Pairings

smoked paprika cumin garlic black beans lemon juice butter or olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Amaranthus caudatus (red cat’s tail), and how do I prevent it?

Watch for aphids and leaf-chewing caterpillars, which can explode on tender growth in warm weather. Spray affected plants with insecticidal soap and remove heavily infested tips; also keep weeds down around the bed. To reduce disease risk like leaf spots, water at the soil line and space plants so foliage dries quickly after watering.

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

During active growth (about weeks 4–10), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In typical home gardens, that usually means watering 2–3 times per week, more often in hot weather and less when it’s cool or rainy. If leaves start to wilt and then recover by morning, water more consistently; if soil stays soggy, cut back to prevent root stress.

How can I tell when red cat’s tail (Amaranthus caudatus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the long, drooping flower plumes are fully formed and deeply colored, and the heads feel firm rather than limp. For dried plumes, cut when seeds inside are mature and the plant looks “finished,” usually around the 90-day mark, then dry in a warm, airy spot. If you’re harvesting for fresh use, pick when plumes are at peak color but before they start shedding heavily.