Puple Amaranthus (Amaranthus Paniculatus Cruentus) 300 seeds (#1176)

Nothing beats this tough, heat-loving annual for big, bold summer bedding displays. This Central American native has been grown since ancient times for its grain and greens, as have two other amaranths: Amaranthus hypochondriacus and A. caudatus. Purple amaranth was central to the Aztec culture, playing an important role in many of its religious rituals. Most contemporary gardeners cultivate it purely for its showy flower spikes, though it is increasingly grown as a grain and food crop in China, India, the United States, and other areas.
This fast-growing plant bears purple-red or green, oval to broadly lance-shaped leaves on tall upright stems. Young leaves can be prepared and eaten like spinach. Long, deep red to greenish-red spikes containing thousands of tiny flowers arch from the stem tips and leaf axils in summer and fall. They work wonderfully in fresh or dried flower arrangements.
The ivory, white, or mahogany seeds are rich in proteins and essential amino acids. Fallen seed germinates in spring, making the purchase of additional seed unnecessary.
Amaranths like it hot and perform best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. A single plant will produce lots of volunteer seedlings. Just weed out the ones you don’t want. This ornamental is best sown in place in warm soil, but can also be started earlier in a warm greenhouse. Mature plants are drought tolerant but grow and flower better if watered during dry spells. This annual thrives in subtropical and tropical regions.
Amarnathus cruentus has become naturalized in subtropical and tropical regions across the world and is considered invasive in some locations.
Information source: http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/amaranthus-cruentus/
Approximately 300 seeds in 1g packet.

Genus - Amaranthus
Species - Paniculatus Cruentus
Common name - Puple Amaranthus
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 2 - 11
Height - 0.30 - 0,50 m
Spread - 0,50 m
Plant type - Annual flower
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Sandy, loamy, well drained
Water requirements - Average water needs. Water regularly, no overwatering
Landscape uses - Bedding Plant, Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Edible, Feature Plant, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Tropical
Bloom season - July - August
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Purple-dark red

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Sow indoors in early spring (from March to end of April) and plant out once the danger of frost has passed in May or June.
Press seeds into soil. Do not cover.
Keep moist and warm.
Germinates in 10-14 days.