Amaranth 'Mira'

Mira (Amaranthus caudatus)
Mira amaranth is a living bouquet, combining rose, cream, and green in a stunning display of variegated foliage. The multicoloured leaves shift subtly with the light, making every plant unique and eye-catching. Its upright form and soft, feathery blooms add height, texture, and movement to garden beds, borders, and floral designs. Whether grown as a focal point or woven into a mixed planting, Mira delivers an irresistible combination of vibrant colour and dynamic structure.

This variety is as practical as it is beautiful—young leaves can be harvested for tender, nutritious greens, while mature plants create a dramatic garden statement from midsummer until frost. Mira is easy to grow, heat-tolerant, and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. For long-lasting arrangements, harvest stems before seed set and hang upside down to dry. Also known as Tassel Flower, Mira brings bold ornamental flair and edible versatility to any sunny garden.

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.