Amaranthus Tricolor - Seeds

Height: 36 to 100 inches (90 to 250 cm).

Growing Regions:Zones 3 to 10.

Flowers:End of spring, summer and/or early autumn.

Sow Outside:
Cover seed. Following the last frost. Spacing 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm).

Sow Inside:
Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

Requirements:
Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 5.5 to 7. Ordinary soil, not too rich. Regular watering during dry spells.

Deascription:

This tall variety can reach heights of over five feet (150cm), and have a spread of around two feet (60cm). It is largely grown for its beautiful variegated leaves, as the name suggests these are of three colors; often red, gold and green; or red,cream and green (see picture above). Due to its large size this Amaranthus species is great at the back of a border, though it's beauty means that it can also be grown alone as a specimen plant. The plant can be grown in part shade and full sunlight conditions and flowers from the middle of summer through to the middle of autumn.

How to grow Amaranthus species such as Tassel Flower in the garden

It is best to sow grain amaranths just beneath the soil surface, with a spacing of 20 to 30 cm for smaller species and up to 50 cm apart for larger species in the spring, after the last frost. Amaranth prefers partly shady to full sunlight conditions. The soil type is not overly important, though should have a PH between 6 and 7; for the most vibrant flowers it is best that the soil is not too rich, as this soil type encourages growth. Amaranthus requires between 10 and 17 days to germinate. If starting off indoors they should be grown at a temperature of between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius in peat pots for seven to eight weeks before planting out after the last frost of spring.