Amaranth (Black Cockscomb): A Plant That Grows on Its Own

Scientific Identity

Amaranth belongs botanically to the genus Amaranthus, sometimes called "cockscomb" in everyday speech. It's part of the Amaranthaceae family, and the plant in our garden stands out with its deep crimson-purple, fuzzy-looking flower plumes. It's a plant that's been cultivated since the Aztec and Inca era, going back thousands of years.

Permaculture Value

What makes this plant most valuable to us is that it comes up entirely on its own, we don't plant it. Once it seeds itself, it resprouts every year without us doing anything, we just let it be. This is a good example of permaculture's "self-seeding" principle: it contributes to the garden without effort or intervention. Its flowers are also a good source for bees and butterflies.

Edible / Medicinal Properties

Amaranth seeds are actually genuinely edible, known as a gluten-free "pseudo-grain," rich in protein and minerals much like quinoa. The leaves can also be cooked and eaten like spinach. We haven't tried this ourselves yet, but the fact that this potential exists is another reason to keep the plant around.

How to Grow It

There isn't much to say here, because we don't do anything. Amaranth is drought-tolerant and sun-loving, its seeds scatter on their own and germinate under the right conditions. If you don't want to intervene, there's nothing to do except keep its spread in check if it gets too enthusiastic.

From the Garden

What we specifically love about this plant is that it puts zero responsibility on us. It comes up on its own, flowers on its own, seeds itself on its own. As you can see, the flowers are stunning, adding real color to this corner of the garden. We haven't eaten the seeds yet, but being this self-sufficient is reason enough for us.