Overview

Amaranthus viridis is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Amaranthus, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Amaranthus viridis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, sub-tropical, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Amazonia colombiana: sur del departamento del Vichada; el suroriente del Meta; todo el territorio de los departamentos de Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo y Vaupés; la Bota Caucana; y las vertientes amazónicas de Nariño (la parte alta de los ríos Guamuez, Sucio and San Miguel y Aguarico).

About

Amaranthus viridis is a cosmopolitan species in the botanical family Amaranthaceae and is commonly known as slender amaranth or green amaranth. It is native to the tropics of the Americas, specifically South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Amaranthus viridis

About the genus

Amaranthus is a genus of plants commonly known as amaranths. Some species are known by variants of the common name "pigweed". Some members are annual and others are perennial.

Wikipedia contributors, "Amaranth", CC BY-SA 4.0Amaranth

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Amaranthus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1a

Plant details

Amaranthus viridis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Native to
Amazonia colombiana: sur del departamento del Vichada; el suroriente del Meta; todo el territorio de los departamentos de Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo y Vaupés; la Bota Caucana; y las vertientes amazónicas de Nariño (la parte alta de los ríos Guamuez, Sucio, San Miguel y Aguarico)

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Amaranthus viridis

Propagation
Seed sown at 20°C (68°F) in mid-spring
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Virus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Amaranthus viridis?

Amaranthus viridis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Amaranthus viridis need?

Amaranthus viridis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Amaranthus viridis hardy in the UK?

Amaranthus viridis has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.

How do I propagate Amaranthus viridis?

Seed sown at 20°C (68°F) in mid-spring.