Which location is suitable for amaranth?
The amaranth likes a full sun location best. But it can also thrive in partial shade. In addition to plenty of light, it is important to have a place that is protected from the wind. This satisfies the need for warmth of this plant. Last but not least, the location should tend to be more dry than wet.
also read
- The amaranth in full bloom: flowering time and flower appearance
- Amaranth - a useful plant that can quickly become a weed
- Sowing amaranth: when, where and how?
What demands does the pseudo-grain make on the soil?
Before you plant the amaranth, you can add a portion of compost or manure to the soil. Simply rake the manure roughly under the ground. The soil or substrate should have the following characteristics:
- profound
- relaxed
- permeable
- nutritious
When and how do you sow the seeds?
The seeds can simply be sown directly into the bed from mid-May (frost-sensitive plants). Take a handful of seeds and throw them broadly on the area. Then the seeds are slightly raked under. Now it is important that the soil is kept moderately moist so that germination can take place without problems.
A preculture is also possible. You can start doing this in March. Moving forward at home is recommended until June. Later sowing is not advisable because the seeds cannot mature properly due to the shortened time until autumn. Sow the seeds 1 to 2 cm deep!
When does the amaranth bloom?
After the amaranth has been isolated to around 30 cm after sowing and running out, it begins its flowering period around July. This pseudo-grain can continue to bloom until September.
When is harvest time?
Even before the seeds ripen, you can harvest individual leaves of the amaranth as required. They can be prepared like spinach. The seeds are harvested when they are fully ripe. This is usually the case between early September and mid-October. The fully ripe fruit clusters are cut off and hung up to dry.
Along with what other plants does the amaranth look good?
The foxtail also looks good as an ornamental plant due to its flowers and fruit clusters. The large varieties are more suitable as solitary plants. Small-stature varieties appear expressively alongside daisies, lobelia and silver leaves.
What else is there to consider?
Here are a few more important tips for the time after sowing:
- do not plant outdoors until mid-May
- attach a support to tall varieties
- young plants are susceptible to eating snails
- Promote stability: pile the trunk with soil
- Mulch the soil in full sun
Tips
Since amaranth crossbreeds quickly, you should only grow one variety per year!
