About
This annual plant can grow to nearly 2 meters in height, featuring rich red foliage and cascading flower clusters. The flower tassels are suitable for grain harvesting, while the tender young leaves can be consumed similarly to spinach.
About the genus
Amaranthus comprises annuals that can grow upright or spread out, as well as short-lived perennials. The plants feature simple leaves and produce small flowers organized in dense, catkin-like clusters that may be erect or drooping, typically blooming during the summer and autumn seasons.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Start under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Transplant outdoors for summer bedding, into moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in full sun in a sheltered site. Water freely during summer to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus