Complete Guide to Growing Red Amaranth Microgreens at Home

🌱 How to Grow Red Amaranth Microgreens at Home: A Beginner’s Guide

Red amaranth microgreens feature striking deep red stems, tender green leaves, and a nutty, earthy flavor packed with vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. These superfoods grow indoors in 7-16 days, yielding vibrant garnishes for salads, smoothies, and more, ideal for beginners seeking nutrition and color.

Essential Materials

High-quality supplies ensure vigorous growth and bold hues.

Trays and Medium:

Shallow 10x20-inch or 8x8-inch trays with drainage holes, using 1-2 inches of moist coco coir, peat, sterile potting mix, or germination pads.

Seeds:

7-8g non-GMO red amaranth (Red Garnet or Burgundy) per tray from suppliers with 85%+ germination.

Equipment:

Red-blue or full-spectrum LED grow lights (6-12 inches above), oscillating fan, spray bottle, sharp scissors, pH 6.0-7.0 water, optional vermiculite topcoat and diluted organic fertilizer (4-4-4 NPK like fish emulsion).

Detailed Growing Steps

Maintain 70-85°F (21-29°C); use heat mat in cooler spots for tiny seeds needing even density.

*Prepare Tray: Moisten medium until firm (few drops when squeezed), level surface, ensure drainage.

*Sow Seeds: Broadcast 7g evenly (1-2 seeds per sq cm) by hand or sifter; press lightly, mist without burying.

*Germinate (Blackout): Cover with dome or inverted tray; dark, warm spot for 3-5 days—mist if dry, watch for white hooks.

*Introduce Light: Uncover, provide 12-18 hours intense light (200-400 PPFD); bottom-water 300-400ml every 2-3 days.

*Grow Out: 70-75°F day/65°F night, constant airflow; add vermiculite if needed; true leaves in 5-10 days.

*Harvest: At 2-4 inches with 2-4 true leaves (total 7-16 days); yields 12-18oz per tray.

Nutritional Powerhouse

4x vitamin C, 2x iron vs. mature plants; betalains fight inflammation, support eyes, blood sugar, bones, immunity. Low-cal (30/100g) with fiber for digestion, heart health.

​

Versatile Culinary Uses

Peppery bite adds crunch and color.

*Salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, tacos with citrus dressings.

*Garnishes for eggs, toast, ramen, soups, pizza, seafood.

*Smoothies blended with pineapple, spinach, grapes, lime, cucumber.

*Stir-fries, pesto, trail mixes for earthy depth.

​