Amaranth 'Loves Lies Bleeding'

Love-LiesBleeding (Amaranthus caudatus)
With its dramatic ropes of velvety, deep red blooms, Love-Lies-Bleeding amaranth brings a touch of antique romance to the garden. This heirloom variety has long been admired for its cascading habit, which adds both movement and texture to floral arrangements. Its rich crimson tassels spill gracefully from tall, sturdy plants, making it a captivating choice for borders, cutting gardens, and large containers. When used fresh, the blooms lend a lush, trailing element to bouquets; when dried, their color shifts to soft, warm tones that pair perfectly with autumn designs.

Love-Lies-Bleeding thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and performs beautifully alongside other amaranths like Coral Fountain and Emerald Tassels, which share its size, growing season, and bold visual presence. For best results, harvest when tassels are fully formed and hang stems upside down in a warm, dry space to preserve their shape. Whether grown for a nostalgic cottage garden look or as a striking, textural addition to arrangements, this amaranth brings enduring elegance from midsummer through frost.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: BARELY COVER

GERMINATION: 7 - 10 days at 21 - 24°C

HEIGHT: 24" - 30” Support may be necessary.

MATURITY: 65 - 75 Days

SPACING: 12 - 15”

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:

Transplanting (recommended): Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your average last frost date. Barely cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite, as they require light to germinate. To avoid displacing them, bottom water or mist gently. Harden off seedlings by growing them at night temperatures of 17–18°C before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seeding (alternative): Sow seeds outdoors after your last frost date. Sow seeds thinly and barely cover. Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to a final spacing of 12–15" apart.

Pinching and Support: Pinching the tops of young plants will encourage a bushier habit and more blooms. Taller varieties may require staking or other support to prevent them from flopping over.

Soil Preference and Watering: Amaranthus thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soil. It is a heat-loving and drought-tolerant plant once established, but will perform best with consistent moisture.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not typically necessary unless your soil is very poor. Over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest amaranthus when the flowers are about three-quarters of the way open and the stems are firm. For drying, harvest when the flowers are fully developed and the seeds are set. Hang bunches of stems upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area until completely dry.