✨ Grow Guide: Vibrant Amaranth Microgreens (Red Garnet)

Amaranth microgreens are some of the most visually stunning crops you can grow, often featuring brilliant crimson or magenta stems and leaves. They offer a mild, earthy flavor and are highly prized as a nutritional and decorative garnish. They require specific conditions due to their tiny seed size and preference for warmth.

Here is your guide to growing a full Farmer You Kitchen Kit of these delicate, vibrant microgreens.

Step 1: Prep & Sow

Data Point	Amaranth
Seed Weight per 1020 Tray	7 Grams
Needs Pre-Soak?	No
Optimal Germination Temp	70-85 degrees F

1. Prepare the Tray: Place an 8x8 germination pad in the kitchen kit tray and fully saturate the pad, draining off excess water.

2. Sow the Seeds: Amaranth seeds are extremely tiny. Evenly broadcast 7 grams of the dry seed across the surface. Take extra care to spread them evenly to prevent clumps.

3. Mist: Lightly mist the seeds and the surface.

Step 2: Germination (Immediate Light & Heat)

Data Point	Amaranth
Weighted Days	0
Blackout Days	0
Notes on Germination	Needs light for germination, but blackout helps uniformity. Very tiny seeds.

1. Immediate Light and Heat: According to the data, Amaranth requires light for germination and benefits from heat. Place the tray directly under a bright grow light or in a sunny spot immediately after sowing with the Farmer You germination cover on. Remove the germination cover after seeds germinate.

2. Apply Heat: Place your tray on a seedling heat mat to maintain the preferred warm germination temperature. Consistent warmth is critical for success.

3. No Weight or Blackout: Do not apply weight or place the tray in a complete blackout.

   • Grower's Note: While the data recommends 0 days, some growers will use a very short (24-hour) blackout/weight period to force the tiny roots down for uniformity, but the primary method relies on light and heat.

Step 3: Grow & Water

Data Point	Amaranth
Other Tips	Needs to be harvested before it gets too tall/lanky. Can have vibrant red colors.

1. Keep Under Light: Keep the lights on for the majority of the day (12–18 hours). The light is what encourages the beautiful red color (if you are growing a red variety like Red Garnet).

2. Watering: Switch to bottom watering as soon as the seeds sprout. Always water from the bottom tray to prevent surface moisture that could lead to mold or disturb the shallow roots. Amaranth is very sensitive to overwatering.

3. Airflow: Maintain good airflow, especially given the warmth needed for this crop.

Step 4: Harvest

Data Point	Amaranth
Days Until Harvest	14–21

1. Timing: Amaranth is one of the slower microgreens and will be ready for harvest in 14–21 days.

2. Look for Color: Harvest when the seedlings have achieved their full color and the true leaves are just beginning to emerge.

3. Cut: Use a very sharp knife or clean scissors. Harvest before the plants get too tall or lanky. Cut the stems just above the root level.

4. With the MagniMoist pad, harvesting is a breeze! Simply hold the pad vertically above a bowl and allow the greens to fall into the bowl as you cut along the stems.

Enjoy the striking visual appeal and mild flavor of your Amaranth microgreens!