Species California Amaranth
Green leaves with yellow-green veins on brown stems

California Amaranth

Amaranthus californicus

California Amaranth (Amaranthus californicus) is an annual herb native to the western region of North America. Growing up to 80 cm tall, this plant features multiple upright stems with ascending branchlets, and oval-shaped, petiolate leaves. Covered in tiny, green-golden flowers, it blooms and thrives in dry and disturbed soils, and is a common sight along roadsides and in open fields. California Amaranth is a valuable source of food and green manure, and has a long history of medicinal uses. The hardy nature and ability to thrive in dry, neglected soils make it an ideal companion plant in home gardens, as it provides quick ground cover and increases nutrient levels in the soil.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

California Amaranth should be kept consistently moist and should never be left to dry out, particularly during summer months. It prefers regular watering, in the range of 1 to 2 times per week. During particularly hot days in summer, you may need to water more frequently, however, do not overwater or leave the soil saturated for prolonged periods of time, as this could lead to root rot. In the winter months, you should water less frequently, about once per month. If the weather is exceptionally cold or dry, you may want to reduce this further.

sunlight

California Amaranth (Amaranthus californicus) does best in bright or dappled sunlight. A minimum of 6 hours of sun per day is recommended, with 8 or more hours being ideal. Sun should be direct in the morning and be more oblique/indirect in the afternoon. Too much direct sunlight in the afternoon can cause scorching of the leaves, while not enough sunlight can lead to a lack of flower production in some species.

pruning

California Amaranth should be pruned twice a season: lightly in early spring, and more heavily in late spring or summer. The goal is to open the plant up, creating air circulation which can help it thrive and reduce disease. In early spring, remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back shoots to a 6-to-8 inch height. This can help prevent it from becoming too large or unruly. In late spring or summer, prune or pinch back the top 1-third of the plant, leaving the shoots below. This will help promote further bushing and encourage growth.