Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hot Chili’ seeds

Description

This annual plant is prized for its long lasting ability as a cutflower . It can be used as a very attractive specimen plant  in the garden, and its arching spikes will add architectural texture to your garden.  It has  striking dark red flower spikes held together in bunches, and these are set off well by dark green leaves.

Amaranthus prefers fertile humus rich soil in full sun in a sheltered spot. It needs to be watered in dry periods and to get the best results feed regularly. Heavily laden stem need to be staked.

Pinch out the centre of the  stem to encourage side branching.  At the end of flowering, leave a few plants to self-seed if desired.

Sowing advice

Sow directly where it is to flower in late spring once all danger of frost has gone. Sow 7mm deep into soil which has been well prepared and raked to a fine tilth. Germination takes 10-20 days at 20-24°C. When seedlings are large enough to handle thin to 50cm spacing.