Amaranth, also known under the name foxtail, not only convinces with edible parts of the plant, but also with colorful and tinsel-like hanging inflorescences. In this country it can be cultivated once a year. But what should be considered when growing?

Amaranth grows best in the sun

Which location is suitable for amaranth?

Amaranth likes a full sun best. But it can also thrive in semi-shade. In addition to plenty of light, a place that is protected from the wind is important. This satisfies the heat requirement of this plant. Last but not least, the location should tend to be dry rather than wet.

What demands does the pseudo-grain place on the soil?

Before you plant the amaranth, you are welcome to enrich the soil with a portion of compost or manure. Simply rake the fertilizer roughly into the soil. The soil or substrate should have the following characteristics:

  • profound
  • relaxed
  • permeable
  • nutritious

When and how do you sow the seeds?

The seeds can be sown directly into the bed from mid-May (frost-sensitive plant). Take a handful of seeds and toss them in the field. The seeds are then lightly raked in. 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 as early as March. Bringing them home is recommended until June. Later sowing is not advisable, as the shortened time until autumn means that the seeds cannot ripen properly. Sow the seeds 1 to 2 cm deep!

When does the amaranth bloom?

After the amaranth has been isolated to about 30 cm after sowing and sprouting, it begins its flowering period around July. The flowering of this pseudo-grain can last until September.

When is harvest time?

Even before the seed ripens, you can harvest individual leaves of the amaranth as needed. They can be prepared like spinach. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe. This is usually between the beginning of September and mid-October. The fully ripe fruits are cut off and hung up to dry.

What other plants does amaranth look good next to?

The foxtail also looks good as an ornamental plant due to its flowers and infructescence. The tall varieties are more suitable as solitary plants. Small cultivars appear expressively next to daisies, lobelia and silver leaves, among others.

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 for tall varieties
  • young plants are susceptible to snail damage
  • Encourage stability: piling up the trunk with soil
  • mulch the soil in full sun

tips

Since amaranth crossbreeds quickly, you should only grow one variety per year!

Category:

Vegetable garden