Overview
Description
Amaranth plants go to the genusAmaranthus , which embrace a diverse group of annual and perennial plant life known for their edible leaves , seeds , and vivacious heyday . These plants are cultivated worldwide for their nutritional value and decorative smasher . When used for nutrient , they ’re usually grown as annuals , and harvested after one growing time of year .
They vary in size and sort , drift from low - growing ornamental to tall , erect species up to 2.5 m ( 6.6 foot ) in height used for grain production . They typically feature a sturdy central stem with branching that deviate depending on the species and diversity . Some metal money grow in compendious , shaggy-coated forms , while others have a more open , diffuse habit .
The leaves of amaranth plant life are generally wide and lancelike , though leaf shape and size of it can vary between coinage and mixed bag . They are arranged alternately along the stems and often have spectacular vein . The leaves may be smooth or have a slightly textured open , depending on the specie . Amaranth plants display a variety of leaf colour , including shade of green , red , imperial , and bronze , as whole hues , variegated patterns or color gradients .
Amaranth plants produce unique and colorful flowers that are arranged in slow , stretch bunch known as anthesis . These inflorescences can take various word form , include spike , panicle , or racemes , look on the mintage . The flowers themselves are little and invisible , but they are circumvent by colorful bracts that give the inflorescences their vibrant appearance . Flower colors range from shades of red , purple , and pink to green and yellow , depending on the species and variety .
Interesting Facts
Basic Growing Information
Planting
Amaranth is awarm - time of year craw , best sow when ground temperatures are systematically above 15 ° atomic number 6 ( 59 ° degree Fahrenheit ) . It typically thrives in temperature ranging from 22 - 30 ° light speed ( 72 - 86 ° F ) , with hotter conditions often promoting well growing . For successful seed germination , a minimum temperature of 15 - 17 ° atomic number 6 ( 59 - 63 ° F ) is necessary .
remark : Checkgardening calendarsfor the best planting times in your locating .
Care and Maintenance
Growing Difficulty
Growing Tips
Companion Plants
Common Pests and Diseases
Harvesting
Harvesting Leaves
Leaves can be harvest at any prison term .
Harvesting Grain
Seeds are quick to reap when blossom heads take up to dry out . Shake seeds from the dry bloom mind .
Propagation
Culinary Uses
Note : Amaranth leaves do containoxalates , chemical compound find in many plant , which can lend to kidney Oliver Stone organization in susceptible individual when consumed in gravid sum . The level of oxalate in amaranth leaves is generally consideredmoderatecompared to other foods high in oxalate , such as spinach or beet greens .
Amaranth leaves can be eaten stark naked , particularly when they are vernal and crank , and they can make a alimental addition to salads . However , like many leafy greens , they are often cook to better digestibility , enhance flavor , and reduce the oxalate content . preparation methods let in boiling , sautéing , and steaming , among others . It ’s also deserving noting that cookery enhance the availableness of certain nutrients , such as calcium , making them easier for the body to suck up .
Cooking can trim back the oxalate mental object of foods , as it leach out into the cooking weewee . For those interested about oxalate intake , boil amaranth leaves and discarding the water can help lour their oxalate subject .
In determination , amaranth is a versatile and nutritious plant that can be work for both its leafy greens and grains . Its ability to fly high in various climates and uprise conditions pretend it a valuable addition to domicile garden and sustainable nutrient systems . With proper care , you ’ll be honor with a plentiful harvest of novel greens and grains .
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