Foxtail Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)

How much light does a Foxtail Amaranth need?

Foxtail amaranth does best in full sun, which is listed as its preferred light outdoors. The record defines full sun as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed as a light condition for this plant, but full sun comes first. Plan for at least 6 hours of direct sun if you want to meet the preferred condition.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

Best soil for a Foxtail Amaranth

The recorded soil condition for foxtail amaranth is good drainage, meaning well-drained soil. Well-drained soil is the only drainage class listed for this annual species. No other soil moisture condition is recorded for foxtail amaranth. Choose well-drained ground when you set out this plant.

• Soil drainage: Well drained^1,2

Hardiness and temperature

Foxtail amaranth is listed for USDA hardiness zones 2a to 11b. The listing names each half-zone: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b. The range is wide, running from zone 2a at the cold end to zone 11b at the warm end.

• Hardiness: Zones 2a–11b^1,2

How to plant a Foxtail Amaranth

Plant foxtail amaranth where it will have room for a mature height of 3–5 ft (0.91–1.52 m). Its mature spread is 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m), which is the width to allow around each plant. It is an annual, and the recommended way to start it is from seed. The hardiness zones listed for it run from 2a to 11b. Pick a spot with full sun and well-drained soil. It has a moderate growth rate. Its native range is recorded as AGW, BOL, ECU and PER. Its US status is introduced in the lower 48 states and in Puerto Rico.

• Hardiness: Zones 2a–11b^1,2

Winter care

Foxtail amaranth is recorded as an annual. Its hardiness listing runs from zone 2a at the cold end to zone 11b at the warm end. The listing names each half-zone in between, from 2b and 3a up through 10b and 11a. Annual is the only plant type recorded for it.

• Hardiness: Zones 2a–11b^1,2

How to propagate a Foxtail Amaranth

Foxtail amaranth is propagated by seed. Seed is the recommended propagation strategy for this species. No other propagation method is recorded for it. Seed is the one method named, and it is the method to use when you want more plants. The plant is recorded as an annual.

• Propagation: Seed¹

Common problems

Aphids are the pest recorded for foxtail amaranth, and they are found on flowers and foliage. Three diseases are listed: phytophthora blight, root rot and bacterial leaf spot. Phytophthora blight and root rot are described as affecting annuals and herbaceous perennials. No other pests are recorded for this species.

• Common pests: aphids^1,2
• Common diseases: phytophthora blight, root rot and bacterial leaf spot^1,2

Questions and answers

How much sun does foxtail amaranth need?

Full sun is its preferred light, which means 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed for this plant. Full sun and part shade are the only two light conditions recorded.

How big does foxtail amaranth get?

Foxtail amaranth reaches a mature height of 3–5 ft (0.91–1.52 m). Its mature spread is 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m). It is recorded as an annual with a moderate growth rate.

When does foxtail amaranth bloom, and in what colors?

The bloom time is July to August and again September to October. The flower colors listed are yellow, red and green. Those are the only bloom windows and colors recorded for this plant.