Amaranth – Midnight Red

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

• depth of sowing: 2.5 cm
• optimal temperatures of germination: 26 to 32 ºC
• time for germination: 14 to 21 days
• soak seeds in warm water 2 to 12 hours before sowing to facilitate germination (optional)

When to sow:

• Sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area for early flowering, preferably in peat pots OR
• direct seeding when the soil is warm (18 ºC and +)

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

• for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR
• for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

• When all risk of frost is removed and the air is warm (18 ºC and +)

Distance in the garden:

• between plants: 30 cm
• between rows: 60 cm

Height of the plants: 100 cm

Soil: well drained, rather poor

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest: 25 days for young shoots, 90-120 days for a mature plant

Specificities:

• grows well in pots