How to Grow and Care for Amaranth Flower
Annual, Amaranthaceae
Amaranth are an easy to grow annual flowering plant. If you are looking for
dried flowers, you've come to the right plant. Amaranth flowers keep their
color after they are dried. They make perfect dried flower arrangements.
That's why the ancient Greeks named this plant for the Greek word for "unfading".
The amaranth family includes flowers, herbs, and weeds. Some varieties are
grown and harvested for food. The seeds of the "Grain Amaranth" were
harvested by Aztec and Inca tribes in Central and South America. In Asia
and South America Amaranth is cultivated as a grain crop. In the U.S., it
can be found in health food stores.
Amaranths come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, lavender,
and white. Most common flower varieties grow 1'-2' tall. Some bush
varieties will grow up to 4'-6'. Their bright, long lasting flowers will
attract butterflies.
Did You Know? Amaranth seeds are edible. In Asia and South America,
they are used as a grain crop. They can also be popped like popcorn. More
on Edible Flowers
Plant Propagation:
Amaranth plants are grown from seed. Directly sow Amaranth seeds into your
flower garden, or start indoors for transplanting later.
Important: Amaranth plants are susceptible to frost. Amaranth prefers warm
weather. If planting outdoors, sow Amaranth seeds after the soil has begun
to warm in the spring.
We recommend an indoor start, six to eight weeks before the last frost in
your area.
Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Space seeds or
seedlings 10-12" apart. They will tolerate a little crowding, and look good
in clumps or groups.
Did you Know? A single mature Amaranth bush can produce 40,000-60,000
seeds!
Seed Germination: 3 - 15 days
How to Grow Amaranth Plants:
Growing Amaranth is very easy. The plants prefer a warm climate, full
sun, and a well drained soil. Water them during dry periods, once or twice
per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Originating in warmer climates, Amaranth is heat and drought resistant.
Amaranth will grow tall, 1-2 feet. They will produce of blooms on strong,
straight stems. Flowers are long lasting, and will bloom from mid summer
until frost.
For dried flower arrangements, pick mature blooms and allow to dry in a cool,
dry, well ventilated area. The dried flowers will retain their color and
will brighten up a room all winter long.
Plant Height: up to 4 feet.
Plant Blooms: Summer through Fall.
Insect and Disease:
Amaranth are resistant to insects and disease. Mildew problems may
occur in warm, humid weather. If insect or disease problems occur, treat
early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
More Information:
How
to Grow Amaranth Plants - let's get growing!
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