When to Plant Amaranth in Melbourne, Cool Temperate Guide

Sow September to March. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Amaranth guide is written for the Cool Temperate zone, which takes in Melbourne, Hobart and Geelong. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Amaranth

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Amaranth is a heat-loving leafy green and grain crop originating from Central America, now widely grown across tropical and subtropical Australia. Leaf amaranth varieties produce abundant, nutritious greens rich in iron, calcium and vitamins A and C. It thrives where lettuce and spinach bolt, making it the go-to summer green for warm climates.

Planting Calendar for Cool Temperate

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D T - - - - - S/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 13.1°C (optimal range: 18–35°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Melbourne), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Amaranth in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Short season: sow November-January only. Start indoors from October. Not a reliable crop in this zone.

Soil
Well-drained, fertile loam enriched with compost. Tolerates a wide range of soils including sandy and clay, provided drainage is adequate.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours). Will tolerate light afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Spacing
25cm apart, 45cm between rows
Watering
Water deeply 2-3 times per week once established. Drought tolerant once mature but produces best leaf quality with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogging. Drip irrigation preferred.

Companion plants: Corn, Tomato, Eggplant, Lettuce (amaranth provides shade), Marigold

Avoid planting near: Brassicas (nutrient competition), Fennel

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Amaranth

Recommended Varieties

  • Red Leaf Amaranth
  • Joseph's Coat

Key Challenges

  • Very short growing season
  • Cool nights inhibit growth
  • Rarely produces grain reliably

Pro Tips

  • Grow in greenhouse or polytunnel for best results
  • Treat as baby leaf crop; don't expect large plants
  • Warm soil with black plastic before planting

Harvesting Amaranth

When ready: Leaf amaranth: harvest when leaves are 10-15cm long for baby greens, or let plants reach 30-40cm for full-size leaves. Grain amaranth: harvest when seed heads droop and seeds fall easily when rubbed.

How to harvest: Cut-and-come-again: cut leaves or tops 10cm above ground level and plants will reshoot. For grain: cut entire seed heads, dry in paper bags, thresh by rubbing between hands.

Common Amaranth Pests in Cool Temperate Zones

Aphids and Whiteflies, risk: MODERATE (score: 51/100)

Organic prevention: Companion plant with marigolds and basil. Maintain good garden hygiene. Remove amaranth family weeds. Delay planting until soil is warm; vigorous seedlings outgrow damage.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the cool temperate zone this September: Ginger, Sweet Corn, Chilli Peppers and Snow Peas.

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Common Questions About Amaranth

When do you plant amaranth in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does amaranth grow all year round in Melbourne?

No. In the Cool Temperate zone the planting months are Jan to Mar, Sep to Dec. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Cool Temperate zone, Melbourne is its reference city.