About
Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch' is a diminutive annual characterized by its elongated green foliage and upright, deep maroon flower spikes. This variety is well-suited for drying, making it a practical choice for floral arrangements.
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
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in full light. Outdoors grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered position
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Sow seed at 20°C (68°F) in mid spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus