Tricolor amaranth

Amaranthus tricolor

Amaranth originates from South America. This amaranth stands out with its colorful, variegated flowers. The inflorescence is inconspicuous. It grows to a height of approximately 30–100 cm. It is suitable for annual beds or as a solitary plant. It excels in annual beds as a taller dominant feature, or as a solitary specimen. In our regions, it is grown as an annual in containers and gardens. It has edible leaves that are full of vitamins and minerals.

How to Grow Amaranth

• It requires a sunny and warm location. It does not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, water the plants only moderately. Overgrown amaranth should be cut back to a height of 30 cm in summer. It will form a bush that immediately grows back.

• Sow seeds directly in the location in April, then thin the seedlings to a distance of approximately 50 cm. Seedlings can be pre-grown from April onwards, and young plants can be planted in their location at the end of May.

• The plant can be grown in poorer soils. It grows optimally in calcareous, humus-rich soil.

• Fertilizing amaranth depends on the nutrient supply in the soil. For good growth, suitable doses of industrial fertilizers are 60-120 kg N, 60-80 kg P, and 140-160 kg.ha-1 K for large-scale cultivation. Additional nitrogen fertilization during the growing season is also beneficial. If growing amaranth in containers, fertilization with commonly available water-soluble fertilizers - Cererit, Kristalon - is sufficient.

• Amaranth is usually not affected by diseases and pests.