Amaranth 'Vintage Mix'

Vintage Mix (Amaranthus caudatus)

A garden drama in three acts, Vintage Mix pairs romance, richness, and movement in a single planting. The trailing peach-pink tassels of Coral Fountain mingle with the vivid chartreuse streams of Emerald Tassels, while the deep, velvety burgundy of Love-Lies-Bleeding spills like wine in the sun. Their graceful, pendulous blooms sway with every breeze, catching the light and drawing the eye, whether tumbling from a bouquet or arching over the edges of a late-summer border. This mix feels timeless—reminiscent of vintage still-life paintings and heirloom gardens—and yet thrives with the ease of modern, resilient plants.

Heat-loving and sun-soaked, these heirloom amaranths are as tough as they are beautiful, blooming steadily through summer’s height and into the warm, golden tones of autumn. Bees and butterflies visit regularly, and when cut, the blooms hold their poise for days in the vase. They dry beautifully too, making them an exceptional choice for everlasting arrangements that carry the garden’s magic into the winter months. For a truly painterly combination, plant Vintage Mix alongside rich-toned zinnias from the Queen series, or let them spill among dahlias, sunflowers, and cosmos for a layered, bohemian abundance.

DETAILS:

QTY: 200

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.