Amaranthus Red Seeds

Amaranthus caudatus, or Love-Lies-Bleeding, is a plant that stops people in their tracks. It produces extraordinary, rope-like tassels of deep crimson-red that cascade towards the ground from tall, sturdy stems. The texture is like chenille or velvet, demanding to be touched.

This is an old-fashioned favourite that was loved by the Victorians for its romantic, slightly gothic beauty. It brings a sense of grandeur and history to the border, standing tall and weeping gracefully amongst the other flowers.

Why Your Garden Needs Love-Lies-Bleeding

It provides a shape that almost no other flower offers. While most plants grow upwards or form mounds, Amaranthus grows downwards. These cascading red tails break up the monotony of a border and look incredible spilling over the edge of a large pot.

It is also a fantastic "two-for-one" plant. In summer, it is highly ornamental. In autumn and winter, if left standing, the tassels are packed with thousands of tiny seeds which are an absolute feast for garden birds, particularly finches.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Amaranthus is a Half-Hardy Annual.

This means it originates from warmer climates and cannot tolerate frost. You sow the seeds in spring, and the plant will grow rapidly, produce its magnificent tassels in summer/autumn, and then die back in winter. Because it is "Half-Hardy," you must wait until all risk of frost has passed before planting it out in the garden.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Amaranthus is robust and easy to grow, provided you give it warmth to start.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in trays from February to April. These seeds need a little warmth (20°C) to germinate. Sow them thinly on moist compost and cover with a very light sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. They usually pop up quickly, within 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
You can sow directly outdoors in late May, but I recommend starting indoors to get bigger plants with longer tails. Wait until the soil has warmed up before planting out.

Care While Growing:
Give them a sunny, sheltered spot. These plants can get quite large and top-heavy with those long tails, so if your garden is windy, it is a good idea to give them a cane for support. They are surprisingly drought tolerant once their roots are established.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this dramatic tassel flower is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Amaranthus creates a heavy, bold shape, so it looks best when paired with plants that offer a lighter, brighter contrast:

• 🌻 Sunflowers: The bright yellow faces of sunflowers look striking against the drooping red tails of Amaranthus. Both grow tall and love the sun, making them perfect partners at the back of a border.
• 🌸 Cosmos (Purity or White varieties): The feathery foliage and simple white daisy flowers of Cosmos provide a fresh, airy backdrop that prevents the heavy red Amaranthus from looking too dark.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring for the largest plants and longest tails.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)