Unfortunately the time to cut Amaranthus is when it looks fabulous in the yard. The optimum time to cut is now, before any seeds develop and you lose that purple colour.

In order to dry the Amaranthus, I find it best to strip all the leaves (the dried leaves are unsightly). Hang the plant upside down in a dark, warm, well ventilated area (I hang in my basement. The heads will dry intact and retain the purple colour - not as vibrant I guess, but definitely purple. I've found that Amaranthus will rehydrate - in humid conditions or if your home is quite humid then they will droop some. That heavy stem you see now becomes quite light (in weight, that is) after it's dried so it should hold itself up quite well. The stem, when dried, is very strong.

Well they are hanging upside down in the shed. They have lost a LOT of their color. I hope they don't fade to the color of browned grass.

thx Pudge:)
Karen