![]() Sow the seed thinly and cover with a 0.5cm (¼in) of soil. Transplant the plants outdoors to their final position after the last expected frosts. While it grows best in moist but well drained soils, they will tolerate somewhat dry soils.Īmaranth seeds can be started early indoors, three to four weeks before the last frost date. Amaranth plants grow well in average to rich, well-draining soil with equal amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. An early sowing can be made in a greenhouse and the plants transplanted outdoors after the last expected frosts.Ī minimum soil temperature of 10☌ is required for germination, and is much better once temperatures rise above 20☌. Like many vegetable crops, it needs at least five hours of sunlight a day to do well.Īmaranth seeds are very fine, so generally, the seeds are sprinkled over a prepared area after the risk of last frost has passed. Humid, sunny conditions are advantageous but not essential for growth, however the plants will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Sowing: Late spring through early summer.Īmaranth can be grown in both tropical and temperate zones. The attractive leaves can be used at babyleaf stage for salad or garnish, or can be left to mature for steamed vegetable or soups. The young leaves are tender and nutritious and have a delicate pea-like flavour. Slightly astringent when raw, the greens turn soft and mellow as they cook.Ī favorite with chefs, Amaranthus tricolor ‘Red Army’ is an intense cherry red selection. Its soft leaves are a great addition to salads and, like spinach, it melts delectably when cooked. In the hot summer months, when growing spinach is near impossible, amaranth thrives.Įasy to grow and tolerant of wide-ranging conditions. Most gardeners are familiar with the several varieties of ornamental amaranth sold by nurseries, but few realise that this plant is a delicious nutritional powerhouse. ![]()
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