Elephant Head Amaranth Seeds - Deep Red Ornamental Plumes

Elephant Head amaranth brings rich red color and unexpected shapes to a sunny garden. Its dense flower heads develop curved, trunk-like forms that give this unusual annual its name. Plant it among summer flowers or use a small group as a striking seasonal focal point.

What you receive

Select 30, 100, or 1,000 seeds from the available options. This listing is for planting seed, not live plants or cut flowers.

Plant highlights

• Variety: Elephant Head
• Botanical name: Amaranthus cruentus 'Elephant Head'
• Life cycle: Warm-season annual
• Flowers: Deep red, dense plumes with distinctive curved forms
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile and well drained
• Uses: Ornamental borders, seasonal displays, and decorative cutting

Individual flower heads vary in shape. Plant size and flowering time depend on climate, sowing date, spacing, and care.

When to plant

Sow outdoors after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. In areas with a short growing season, start in individual modules indoors and transplant while seedlings are young. Gradually acclimate indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting out.

How to sow

1. Prepare a fine seedbed in a sunny position, or fill clean modules with seed-starting mix.
2. Sow the tiny seeds thinly and cover with a light dusting of fine soil or mix.
3. Water gently and keep evenly moist during germination and early growth.
4. Thin crowded seedlings so plants have space to branch and good airflow.
5. Handle young roots carefully when transplanting, then water to settle the soil.

Growing care

Water regularly during establishment and dry spells without leaving the soil waterlogged. Incorporate compost before planting where needed. Apply fertilizer only according to soil needs and the label directions for the intended crop use.

Inspect for pests and damaged foliage, and support top-heavy stems in exposed sites. Remove unwanted seedlings and spent heads before seed drops if you want to limit self-seeding.

Flowers for the garden and vase

Enjoy the developing plumes in the border, where their sculptural forms contrast with softer flowers and foliage. Cut decorative stems with clean snips and place promptly in clean water.

To try drying, hang small bunches in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated place. Color retention and the finished shape vary with harvest stage and drying conditions.

Growing for leaves or grain

Amaranthus cruentus is also cultivated for edible young leaves and mature grain. If growing for food, follow appropriate food-crop practices and use only pest-control products labeled for that crop and use.

Pick small amounts of tender young foliage, wash thoroughly, and cook before eating. Heavy leaf harvesting can reduce the flower display. For grain, allow seed heads to ripen, finish drying under cover with good ventilation, then thresh and clean before cooking. Allow a full suitable growing season; a fixed leaf or grain harvest date is not guaranteed.

Seeds supplied are for planting, not direct consumption.

Storing unused seed

Keep seed sealed in a cool, dry, dark place away from moisture and temperature extremes. Label the packet with the variety and purchase date.