Species Purple Amaranth
Green leaves with green veins and a green-yellow flower on a brown stem

Purple Amaranth

Amaranthus blitum

Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is an edible wild plant found in most temperate zones. It has striking purplish-red leaves and flower heads, and grows to heights of up to 1.8m. Its edible small green seeds make a great addition to salads or as a nutritious grain salad. Its leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked like spinach, and lightly boiled stems can make a tasty veggie side dish. This plant is drought tolerant and thrives in poor soils, as well as sandy, arid climates.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering for Purple Amaranth depends on the climate, but in general, it should be watered 1-2 times per week. Allow the soil to dry between watering and avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. If the climate is particularly dry, then water more often, but avoid soaking the soil and make sure excess water is able to drain away. If the climate is particularly wet, then reduce how often you water and ensure that the roots are not waterlogged.

sunlight

The Purple Amaranth plant species grows best in full sun exposure, with at least 8 hours of bright sunlight each day. For optimal growth, it’s best to keep the Purple Amaranth in direct sun during the hottest part of the day (roughly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). This is especially important for outdoor gardens, where the sun’s intensity is greatest during the hottest part of the day. For indoors, an artificial grow light should be used to simulate direct sunlight and provide a consistent source of light for 8-10 hours each day.

pruning

Purple Amaranth should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and shape. Removing any discolored or damaged foliage can help to keep the plant looking its best and encourage new growth. Selectively prune off dead or broken branches, withered flowers and stems that are not producing flowers or have become unsightly. For further pruning, wait until the Purple Amaranth is done flowering, then cut back all stems to approximately half of their original size. Make sure not to cut back more than half the stem/branch as this can reduce flowering the following season.