Love-Lies-Bleeding

Love-lies-bleeding is a dramatic, fast-growing warm-season annual that commands attention with its long, cascading tassels of crimson flowers. Direct sow seeds after all danger of frost when soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). Barely cover the tiny seeds, as they need some light to germinate. Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart.

Choose a sunny spot with average to poor soil—like many amaranth species, love-lies-bleeding performs best in lean conditions. Rich soil produces enormous, top-heavy plants prone to toppling. Water moderately during establishment but reduce once plants are growing vigorously. Established plants are remarkably drought and heat-tolerant.

The spectacular rope-like flower tassels can reach 18-24 inches long, cascading from the upper leaf axils. They appear in midsummer and persist until frost, gradually deepening in color as they mature. The plants can reach 3-5 feet tall depending on conditions. In windy locations, provide a sturdy stake—the heavy tassels act as sails in the wind.

Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is native to the highlands of South America, where it was domesticated by pre-Inca civilizations in the Andean region of present-day Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador at least 4,000 years ago. Known as 'kiwicha' in Quechua, it became one of the most important grain crops of the Inca Empire, cultivated at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 meters where few other grain crops could thrive. Archaeological evidence from sites throughout the Andes confirms that amaranth seeds were a dietary staple, ground into flour for flatbreads, toasted as a crunchy snack, and brewed into the traditional fermented beverage 'chicha de kiwicha.'

When Spanish colonizers conquered the Inca Empire in the 16th century, they suppressed amaranth cultivation because of its central role in indigenous religious ceremonies, just as they did with Amaranthus cruentus in Mesoamerica. Despite these efforts, kiwicha survived in remote mountain communities where traditional farming practices persisted out of colonial reach. Meanwhile, the plant spread to Europe as an ornamental curiosity in the 17th century, where its dramatic weeping tassels captivated gardeners. It quickly became a fixture of European cottage gardens, earning evocative common names like love-lies-bleeding, tassel flower, and velvet flower. Victorian-era gardeners were particularly drawn to its melancholy beauty.

From Europe, love-lies-bleeding traveled along trade routes to Africa and Asia, where it was adopted not only as an ornamental but as a food plant. In parts of India, East Africa, and Southeast Asia, the young leaves became a valued cooked green, while the seeds supplemented grain harvests. Today, Amaranthus caudatus is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. The Peruvian government has actively promoted kiwicha as a superfood, and international research organizations have identified it as a climate-resilient crop with exceptional nutritional density. Its complete amino acid profile, tolerance of drought and poor soils, and dual use as both a grain and leafy green make it increasingly important for global food security.

Love-lies-bleeding thrives in average to poor, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Avoid rich, heavily fertilized soil, which produces enormous plants that flop under their own weight. A single light application of balanced fertilizer at planting is more than adequate. In very poor soil, side-dress with compost once during the growing season. Container plants need a standard potting mix with no extra amendments.

Cut love-lies-bleeding tassels for fresh arrangements when they have reached full length and color intensity. Cut stems long in the morning and condition in warm water for several hours. The cascading tassels create dramatic, gravity-defying displays in tall vases. For drying, cut tassels at peak color and hang upside down in a dark, warm, ventilated space for 2-3 weeks. Dried tassels maintain shape well but may shed small seeds.

Love-lies-bleeding dries beautifully, maintaining its cascading form and deep red color. Hang in small bunches upside down for 2-3 weeks. Preserved tassels are stunning in autumn wreaths and dried arrangements. The tiny, protein-rich seeds can be collected by shaking dried flower tassels over a sheet—amaranth grain has been cultivated as a food crop for millennia. Store seeds for planting in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry place.

Amaranth seeds from love-lies-bleeding are edible and highly nutritious, containing complete protein, iron, and calcium. The tiny seeds can be popped like miniature popcorn, cooked as a porridge, or ground into flour for baking. Young leaves are also edible and can be used like spinach in stir-fries and soups. Amaranth has been a staple food crop in Central America for thousands of years.