Whether you’re growing for dramatic garden structure or long vase life, this variety delivers bold summer colour with very little fuss.

Sowing

• Sow indoors March–April or direct sow after frost.
• Use fine, well-drained compost and surface-sow — amaranthus needs light to germinate.
• Mist lightly and cover with a clear lid until seedlings appear.
• Germination usually takes 7–14 days.

Growing

• Transplant into full sun once frost risk has passed.
• Space 30–40cm apart for tall, strong stems.
• Water consistently but avoid waterlogging.
• Feed lightly every 2–3 weeks during growth for vibrant plumes.

Aftercare

• Pinch out early tips to encourage branching.
• Stake if exposed to wind — stems grow tall and upright.
• Remove faded plumes to prolong flowering.

Vase Life

• Cut when plumes are fully coloured but not shedding.
• Lasts 7–10 days fresh; excellent for drying.
• Hang upside down in a warm, dark place for preserved arrangements.

Amaranthus comes in many colours and forms — plume types, tassel types and leafy edible varieties. Red Army is part of the upright plume species Amaranthus hypochondriacus, known for strong stems and intensely coloured flower heads.

Other types gardeners may come across include:

• Amaranthus hypochondriacus — upright plume varieties (includes ‘Red Army’)
• Amaranthus caudatus — trailing tassel forms in red or green
• Amaranthus cruentus — tall, seed-producing types
• Purple and red amaranth flowers — ornamental, highly pigmented
• Green amaranth leaf varieties — grown for edible foliage
• Amaranthus gangeticus — vibrant ornamental hybrids

‘Red Army’ is prized for its dense plumes, uniform growth and saturated red tonality, making it a favourite for cut flower growers and late-summer displays.