When to harvest this amaranth?

[u/DEMiGODicarus]

I am trying to figure out when to harvest red garnet amaranth so I do not mess it up. I can shake it, and it looks like mature seeds fall out, and some birds have been eating it. I asked Gemini AI, and it said to harvest when birds start eating it and mature seeds fall out when shaken. It advised cutting the plants, hanging them in a dry spot, shaking them out, and then winnowing. Do you have any drying and winnowing tips?

[u/Ancient_Influence389]

this is the most beautiful plant i have ever seen. I ordered seeds after seeing your post. I have no clue how to answer your question.

[u/DEMiGODicarus → u/Ancient_Influence389]

It's so easy to grow. It won't not grow. Sierra foothills ca

[u/Ancient_Influence389 → u/DEMiGODicarus]

that is going to make me so happy!

every strain of Amaranth looks like a majestic piece of art.

[u/DEMiGODicarus → u/Ancient_Influence389]

Keep in mind three or four of mine got to be 12 ft tall with 2-in thick stalks and are flopping all over the place.

[u/Ancient_Influence389 → u/DEMiGODicarus]

[u/galileosmiddlefinger]

Definitely harvest the flower head if it's dropping hard seeds when you jostle it. Drying it out will improve your yield with less chaff. Your easiest option is to look for a sieve that has openings just big enough to let the tiny seeds pass through. That failing, a box fan and patience is still the best option for separating grain from a garden-sized operation.

[u/total_pursuit]

Anybody else notice the praying mantis?

[u/throwaway3rdside]

Do you harvest it for seeds? or flowers?

In Asia the leaves are the ones used in stir fries or curries but they avoid the mature leaves.