more-amaranth

ANNUAL

Summer/fall color
Frost tender

EASY TO START OUTDOORS

Sow seeds in full sun in ordinary well-worked garden soil in springtime once night temperatures reach 50°F (10°C). Space tiny seeds as thinly as possible. Cover very lightly with soil and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Five to six weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in individual pots or a container of seed starting mix, cover lightly and keep moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside once danger of frost is over. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Final seedling spacing should be 12-18 inches apart, so they have room to grow and mature.

GROWING NOTES

Plants explode with sky rocket colors when they come to maturity in late summer. These easy to grow, dramatic foliage Amaranths prefer a warm, dry location in good garden soil. When established, the tall bushy plants can tolerate drought and need no extra fertilizer, but must have good drainage. For better branching, pinch the main bud when plants are about 18 inches tall.

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Sow seeds in full sun in ordinary well-worked garden soil when weather is warm and settled and all danger of frost is past. Space tiny seeds 3 to 4 inches apart or as thinly as possible. Cover lightly and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in containers or individual pots of well-drained seed starting mix, cover lightly and keep moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when weather is warm and settled and before seedlings get too crowded. Thin or transplant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle so the large plants will have room to grow.

GROWING NOTES

This dramatic annual is easy to grow, sun loving and drought-tolerant. The large plants make striking garden companions to taller flowers like Sunflowers or Tithonia. Love Lies Bleeding’s draping blossoms with their rich color and unusual touchable texture are long-lasting focal points for large arrangements. Let some flowers set seeds in the garden to self sow.