The echinacea should be fine, planted out sooner than later. The other, I have no,experience with.

Martha

My experience with amaranth...years ago I started some seeds indoors (it's a red amaranthus, forgot which one). It has sown itself all over my garden like weeds over the years. I let a few grow in a spot where I want it, and pull all the others as I get the garden ready in spring.

SO...just scatter the seeds now and forget it. Winter sowing amaranth should be directly on the ground in cool weather, much like poppies and nigella and larkspur. I live just north of you in the Hudson Valley. The plants themselves die over winter, so if you really want to baby that plant, bring it indoors. But I would just start over in early spring.

For two years in a row my amaranth seed direct sown in spring have failed to grow in time. I just assumed my season is too short. But if it's working for you in zone 5 I may just try again..