Red Garnet Amaranth Seeds

Red Garnet Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) is a striking ornamental annual that combines brilliant burgundy-red foliage with exceptional value as a natural bird food plant. Growing 3 to 5 feet tall, the colorful plants produce dense clusters of tiny, nutritious seeds that mature from late summer into autumn. While gardeners often grow Red Garnet for its dramatic foliage and bold garden color, many backyard birds appreciate it even more for the abundant harvest of protein-rich seed it provides as the season comes to a close.

As the seed clusters ripen, Red Garnet becomes especially attractive to American Goldfinches, House Finches, Purple Finches, native sparrows, Juncos, Doves, and numerous other small seed-eating birds. Unlike larger sunflower seeds, the tiny amaranth seeds are easily handled by small birds that cling to the seed heads or gather seed that naturally falls beneath the plants. During autumn migration and into winter, these nutrient-rich seeds provide an excellent source of natural food while encouraging birds to remain in the garden.

Red Garnet thrives in full sun and average garden soil, requiring little care once established. The colorful foliage provides outstanding contrast in flower beds and vegetable gardens throughout the summer, while the late-season seed heads continue adding beauty long after many annual flowers have faded. Leaving the mature plants standing through autumn creates an attractive wildlife planting while allowing birds to harvest the seed naturally as it ripens.

Harvesting for Bird Food: Allow the seed heads to mature completely until they become dry and begin shedding seed naturally. Entire seed heads may be cut and dried in paper bags before gently rubbing out the tiny seeds for winter feeding, or simply leave the plants standing outdoors where birds can harvest the seeds themselves over many weeks. Many gardeners prefer to do both—saving part of the harvest while leaving the remainder for wildlife.

Favorite Birds

• ★★★★★ American Goldfinch
• ★★★★★ House & Purple Finches
• ★★★★☆ Native Sparrows
• ★★★★☆ Dark-eyed Junco
• ★★★★☆ Mourning Dove
• ★★★★☆ Indigo Bunting

Seedman Notes

Amaranths have fed both people and wildlife for thousands of years, and Red Garnet continues that tradition in spectacular fashion. We enjoy growing it not only for its rich burgundy foliage, but also for the steady parade of Goldfinches and other small birds that arrive once the seeds begin to mature. If you enjoy watching finches feeding naturally from the plants, resist the temptation to cut everything down in autumn—leave a few seed heads standing and let nature provide the entertainment.