When my husband and I got married, I really wanted this funky plant cascading out of the bouquet, because how fun!!! I also wanted that bouquet to nod a little to a bird's nest (cue the curly willow) because we were getting married at a beautiful bird sanctuary so why not?
Fast-forward and we have a daughter and a parakeet, and that little budgie just loves guess what...amaranth seeds! Just like the kind we collect from this plant!
What else can you do with amaranth? Grind it into gluten-free pancake flour!
What else? Substitute the edible leaves when cooking for things like collar greens, chard, kale, etc.
So whether you want a funky (but also kind of glamorous, right?) element on hand for your flower arrangements, to grow your own bird food that isn't laden with insecticides, or use it for food for yourself, we really think you should just give this one a try!
BASIC FEATURES
Bloom Season: Summer and Fall
Days to Flowering: 65 - 75 days
Photoperiod Classification: Short-Day (flowers best when exposed to at least 8 hours of daylight, but no more than 16 hours)
Pinch: Yes, to make stems a more manageable size in future arrangements
Deadhead: Yes, to encourage rebloom and delay seed development
Staking: Yes, once plants start to get top-heavy
Height at Maturity: 36 - 60"
Recommended Spacing: 12"
STARTING SEEDS INDOORS
When to Sow: March - April
When to Harden Off: About 4 weeks after germination
When to Transplant to Garden: About 5 to 6 weeks after germination, after final frost
STARTING SEEDS OUTDOORS
When to Direct Sow Seeds in Garden: May - July
FOR FLOWER ARRANGING
For maximum vase life (7 -10 days): Only pick stems in the morning, if at least 3/4 of the flowers on a single hanging inflorescence are open. Cut those stems at a 45-degree angle for maximum water uptake, and place them directly into fresh, lukewarm water with flower food, in a cool, draft-free area, out of direct sunlight. Trim away any wilted or browning leaves that develop, which can draw away moisture from the blossoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS TO YOUR GARDEN
Attracts and Supports: birds (goldfinches, rufous hummingbirds, pine siskins, house finches, and grass parakeets), butterflies (several species), and bees (honeybees, bumblebees)