Amaranth caudatus is a plant native to tropical Africa, Asia and South America. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It came to Europe in the 19th century and was cultivated as an ornament for flower beds and a flowerbed. Easy to grow, decorative and he althy, amaranth is more and more appreciated all over the world. In our climatic conditions, it is most often bred for its decorative qualities.
What does pendulous amaranth look like?
Pendulous amber is an annual herbaceous plant reaching 1.5 m in height.Erect, strong shoots are alternately covered with large, egg-shaped, elongated, purple-green leaves with visible veins. Small crimson or red flowers, less often yellow-green, are gathered in large, long (up to 80 cm) paniculate, dangling inflorescences. It is these inflorescences that give the plant the characteristic fountain look. Amaranth blooms profusely from early June until the first frost.
pendulous amber - position
Szarłat prefers humus and fertile soils, although it can cope with weaker soils. The soil for amaranth should be permeable, loose, with a pH of 6-6.5. This species has very high light requirements and thrives properly only in full sun, in a quiet and warm place.
pendulous amber: cultivation
Amaranth has high thermal requirements, therefore the seeds can be sown into the ground only at the end of May. In order to wait for flowering faster, we can sow seeds into boxes at the turn of March and April, gently cover (they germinate in the dark), cover with foil and glass and place them in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill in the apartment.The seeds germinate after 10-14 days at 18-20 ° C. When the plants produce 1-2 leaves, we transplant them into individual pots. Remember to ventilate and water the plants frequently during the production of seedlings. Ready seedlings should be planted permanently after May 15, spaced 40-70 cm apart.
Pendulous amber: care, watering and fertilizing
Amaranth requires a moist position and regular watering. Young plants in particular should be watered frequently and abundantly. Amaranth forms a large green mass, so in the phase of intensive growth, it requires nitrogen fertilization. In order to strengthen and stiffen the stems, it is advisable to feed the gray leaves with calcium nitrate. It is good to apply organic fertilization in the form of compost or biohumus 2-3 times during the growing season.
In order to obtain a compact, abundant habit, pinch the tops of the shoots in June. Adult plants sometimes require stakes, so they look best when planted in the back of the garden, under a fence, or against a wall, so that it is easy to hide the supports.
Amaranth pendulous - how to dry?
Amaranth inflorescences are perfect for drying. After sprinkling the seeds, cut the stems and tie them tightly into bunches. Then we hang them with the inflorescences down in a shady, dry room.
