About
Amaranthus hybridus is an annual species characterized by its vertical growth form and distinctive flower spikes. The stems, foliage, and blooms may exhibit a reddish hue alongside their green coloration. Flowering occurs during the summer and autumn months. The seeds serve as a food source for various bird species.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Bedding
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Seeds can be sown direct or started in pots or trays indoors in spring. Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered site. Can self-seed
- Pruning
- Pinch out main stem to encourage branching. Cut down after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus