Planting and Growing Guide for Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
Description
There are many species of amaranthus, including weeds, edible leafy vegetables, grain crops and ornamentals grown as flowers. They have colorful leaves and tassel-like flower spikes that yield tiny seeds.
Amaranthus tricolor (syn A. gangeticus, A. oleraceus) is an edible leaf amaranth also known as Chinese spinach. Pick the young leaves that have a sweet, tangy flavour, and add cooked leaves can be added to soups, salads and stir-frys. But only eat occasionally as the leaves are high in nitrates and oxalic acid.
Amaranthus caudatus is commonly known as ‘love-lies-bleeding’ is the grain amaranth that comes from the Andes. It was a favourite food crop for the Mayans and Aztecs. The seeds can be harvested and ground into a flour.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: 2-4 cm (0.5 - 0.75 inches) deep (about 5 times the diameter of the seed).
Space between plants: 50 cm (1.5 feet) apart after thinning excess seedlings
Harvest Time: 12 to 16 weeks from seed
Hints:
- To make sowing easier, mix the tiny seeds with a little sand or compost before sowing.
- Poor germination rates are common and so plant a lot of seed
- Avoid planting heavy soils with poor drainage.
- Plant in a warm sunny position.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!