Growing Amaranth, also Love-lies-bleeding

Amaranthus caudatus : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 64°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, corn, peppers, egg plant, tomatoes

Your comments and tips

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02 Nov 10, Marianne (Australia - temperate climate)
As amaranth has 18% protein, why does one of the biggest pesticide companies in the world rate it on top of their list of weeds ??
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27 Feb 11, Joe (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Have you ever watched landline on the ABC midday on sunday's. Some programs have explained the correlation of weedicides and Plant variety rights. So be cynical and all will be clear.
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05 Nov 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Probably because it can out-compete other plants. If you're trying to grow maize you might not want a field of amaranth taking over instead..
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24 Jan 10, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Garry, Young amaranth leaves are edible and very nutritious! Used a lot in Asia as young leaves in salad, or steamed greens. It contains oxalic acid, so best not to eat raw in large quantities, but no problem if cooked in water for 2 minutes and discard the water
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14 Jan 10, Garry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can someone tell me if this is an edible plant ?I have heard the name before but no little about it.I love growing and eating the unusual.
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25 Dec 09, Mei (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought seeds from Diggers Club - details for Diggers Club can be found in gardening magazines e. g. Gardening Australia
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18 Apr 16, Christine (Australia - arid climate)
My amaranth has seeds growing on main stem and around stem with no top flowers or seeds. Like feathers as I've seen in pictures. Is this an edible seed?
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20 Apr 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, amaranth seed is edible
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16 Dec 09, Bronwyn Millford (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Country Romsey, Vic and have these plants just coming up..again,.,,have had them for years since my mother gave thenm too me..they are just gorgeous..i give the seedlings away each year to friends and they all love them
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04 Sep 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
eden seeds has leaf & grain amaranth
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Showing 81 - 90 of 94 comments
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you don't NEED seed raising mix (if fact you don't NEED it for almost anything). Buying stuff like that is completely unnecessary. Just plant in reasonably fine, moist soil, even just scatter it over the top after raking and water. THe seeds are fine but should germinate really well.. we are currently weeding all of the excess amaranth.

- Adrian

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