Direct seeding is better if you plan on planting a large amount of amaranth, but transplanting can be done if you only want a few plants ! You’ll want to start your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost, making sure not to move to your outdoor soil until there’s no more risk of frost.
Can you grow amaranth from seed?
Or you can always forage it because it grows wild practically everywhere. Amaranth grows well in zones 5-9. You can start them inside 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct seed outside once the danger of frost has passed If you direct seed outdoors, wait for soil temps to reach 65°F.
What can I do with amaranth?
The leaves make a nutty, sweet alternative to kale. If you have livestock, your chickens and hogs will also appreciate your growing amaranth. Different species of amaranth will produce different qualities of leaves, flowers or seeds.
When growing amaranth seeds, make sure to sterilize pots and tools, and use clean soil to prevent damping off. Choanephora blight (wet rot) and root rot are fungi that can destroy a plant. Avoid overhead watering and make sure to plant in a well-drained area. You can also control them using a fungicide.
Fermenting the entire crop is a good way to use the stems as well. All you have to do is add the amaranth leaves to a mason jar and then cover with filtered water, half of a sliced onion, and two tablespoons of salt. Store for a few weeks in a cool place, opening the jar every few days to release built up gases.
Are there any problems with amaranth plants?
While it can be susceptible to some problems, growing amaranth isn’t such a challenge that you should forgo planting. Tarnished plant bug (Lygus) is a small, one-fourth of an inch, a brownish bug with dark markings on their backs and wings. Both adults and nymphs suck the fluids out of plants.
Amaranth is one of those fun plants for me. The leaves and seeds are an excellent source of nutrition, but I love just to watch the plants grow. The tall stalks are an impressive addition to the garden, and when the wind blows the flowers wave back and forth like vibrant, fuzzy flags.
What’s wrong with my amaranth?
Trap crops like mustard and radish will keep them away from your amaranth. Pigweed weevil feeds on amaranth foilage and will cause plants to collapse. Destroy infected plants if you see weevils. White rust is an infection that shows up on the leaf as white blisters. It’s not actual rust like your fruit trees may get, but rather a fungus.
Does amaranth rebloom?
Amaranth will grow tall, 1-2 feet. They will produce of blooms on strong, straight stems. Flowers are long lasting, and will bloom from mid summer until frost.
All you have to do is add the amaranth leaves to a mason jar and then cover with filtered water, half of a sliced onion, and two tablespoons of salt. Store for a few weeks in a cool place, opening the jar every few days to release built up gases. Keeps for three to six months in the refrigerator.