How to grow Ornamental?
- Latin Genus: Amaranthus
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Annual
Amaranth is a high protein grain that has considerable potential as a garden scale grain crop. It is sometimes referred to as a pseudocereal (as are Buckwheat and Quinoa), as it is grown as a grain crop, but isn’t a member of the grass family. In some parts of the tropics the Amaranths are also important as heat tolerant potherbs (under the names Hinn Choy, Tampala, Calaloo, and others). Amaranths even find their way into the ornamental garden and some varieties are grown purely for their beauty (these too are edible). Their appearance ranges from quite attractive to downright spectacular.
Ornamental History
In this country the Amaranths are most familiar in the form of Pigweed, a weed of gardens and disturbed soils, but in other parts of the world they are important crop plants. They reached their greatest popularity in their native South and Central America and in Pre- Columbian times they were among the most important grain crops grown there.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 5.5 - 7.0
- PH Ideal (min/max): 5.5 - 7.0
Amaranth can do well on soils that are too poor and dry for most crops. However for a good leaf or seed crop it needs a well drained and fertile soil, similar to that for Corn. It doesn’t need a great deal of nitrogen or phosphorus, though it does like potassium.
How to care for Ornamental?
Amaranth is one of the most carefree crops I grow. It is practically a weed itself, so doesn’t generally have much of a problem with weeds. In fact the biggest problem may be differentiating crop Amaranth from weed Amaranth (the former commonly have a purplish tinge).
Water
Amaranth is relatively drought tolerant and too much water may cause the roots to rot. However for maximum production of both leaf and seed the soil should never be allowed to dry out.
Fertilizer
Amaranth grows fast and produces a lot of nutrition, so it's not surprising that it is a fairly hungry plant. It does best on a well-drained and fertile soil, similar to that for Corn.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 7 years
Germination Percentage: 70.0
This is pretty simple, just treat it like a grain crop and take seed from the best plants Amaranth is monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. They are wind pollinated, so it’s best to have only one variety growing within 1000 feet (and make sure there are no wild relatives nearby). Take seed from at least 5 plants to maintain some genetic variability.
Light
Part shade
Amaranth is a tropical plant and thrives with full sun.
Conditions:Warm, Hot
Season:
Storage
The seed must be thoroughly dry for storage. Small quantities can be dried in a paper grocery bag.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: days
The leaves could be frozen like spinach.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: days
Problems
One of the most trouble free crops.
Ornamental Types
- Ornamental
The term ornamental plant is used here in the same sense that it is generally used in the horticultural trades.The term largely corresponds to 'garden plant', though the latter is much less precise, as any plant may be grown in a garden. Ornamental plants are plants which are grown for display purposes, rather than functional ones. While some plants are both ornamental and functional, people usually use the term “ornamental plants” to refer to plants which have no value beyond being attractive, although many people feel that this is value enough. Ornamental plants are the keystone of ornamental gardening, and they come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors suitable to a broad array of climates, landscapes, and gardening needs.
Pests
- Leafhoppers
- Leafminers
Related Plants
Sunflower
Chamomile, German
Calendula
Marigold
Snapdragon
Alyssum
Rose
Roselle
Nasturtium
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