Amaranthus hypochondriacus RED AMARANTH (25 seeds)

Red Amaranth or Mayan Amaranth, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family.
It reaches a height of approximately 2 meters and originates from the Americas.

Its vibrant red flowers are highly decorative throughout the summer season.
Incas amaranth seeds are yellow, smooth, very round, and tiny, measuring only one millimeter in diameter.

The plant possesses a robust root system that makes it resistant to drought during the summer.

- Uses:

In gardening, red amaranth is often grown for its attractive flowers and colorful leaves.
Among the Incas and Mayas of Latin America, its seeds were known for their nutritional and spiritual qualities.
Shamans used it as sacred wheat during religious rituals. Today, love-lies-bleeding is cultivated for its edible leaves, which are consumed like spinach.
Its seeds are cooked like millet and can also be boiled.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The best time to sow Inca wheat is during the month of April.
• Sow the seeds in a tray filled with potting soil and cover them with 1 to 2 millimeters of very fine earth.
• Gently water the crop by spraying it with lukewarm water.
• Place the seedling tray in a greenhouse at a temperature close to 25°C.
• Germination will begin approximately 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. It is also possible to sow love-lies-bleeding directly into the ground in May after the last frosts.

- Soil and Substrate:

It thrives in soil rich in organic matter. The substrate must be aerated and well-draining. Remember to drain the bottom of the pot with gravel or clay pebbles.

- Humidity and Watering:

Inca wheat needs a few waterings per week in the height of summer to develop properly. For outdoor cultivation, water only once a week if necessary.

- Light and Exposure:

Place the Mayan Amaranth plants in a full-sun location. This plant needs plenty of bright light to bloom well. Regarding artificial lighting, use fluorescent tubes or MH bulbs initially, then switch to HPS for flowering.

- Temperatures and Hardiness:

Due to its semi-tropical origin, American amaranth grows very quickly when temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C. Below this range, this red-flowering variety stops growing. It is a non-hardy plant that cannot withstand winter frosts.

- Propagation:

This species reproduces only through seeds during the spring season. Unfortunately, it cannot be grown from cuttings.

- Pests and Diseases:

It is generally resistant to many diseases and pests, which allows it to be cultivated with fewer pesticides.