SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Barely cover 1/16"
Starting Indoors:
Six weeks before last frost, sow thinly into pots filled with a mix specifically for seed germination. Keep at 65-75°F with evenly moist conditions by placing a humidity dome over the containers until germination occurs, or by sprinkling a thin cover of vermiculite over the pots.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After all danger of frost has passed. Be very careful not to disturb the roots.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
An heirloom amaranth maintained for the benefit of all gardeners who love its edible young greens and sumptuous burgundy flowers that later yield an impressive number of nutrition-rich seeds. Easy to grow in well-drained soils, avoid overly wet soil to avoid root diseases. Sow the small seeds thinly, removing any weed competition when young; they will tower over all by high summer. Self-sows.
Watering Details:
Drought tolerant. 1" a week until fully established; then water during dry spells.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
If soils are particularly poor, mix in an organic granular fertilizer once seedlings have reached 6-8" in height. Avoid excess fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
Flea beetles can damage leaves and tarnished plant bugs can infest flower heads. Use an organic insecticide to control. Provide freely-draining soils, for, in wet soils, emerging seedlings may die from soil pathogens. Overly moist soils also encourage various fungal root and stem rots on mature plants, causing collapse.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest for fresh cuts when 1/2 to 3/4 of the florets are open.
