'Hot Biscuits' (A. cruentus)

Grow your own

Amaranths are both strikingly ornamental and practical. Leaves of some species (Amaranthus caudatus, A. tricolor, and A. cruentus) are edible spinach substitutes if picked young and tender. In Mexico, amaranth grain is puffed, drizzled with sugar, and eaten as a sweet treat called alegría. Here’s how to grow flowers for bouquets.