Amaranthus Seeds

Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is one of the most theatrical ornamentals you can grow, instantly recognised by its long, rope-like tassels that can reach around 30 cm and cascade downward in deep crimson-red shading to warm gold. The velvety, plush flower plumes give borders, large containers and cottage gardens a dramatic, almost tropical mood, while the same drooping tassels make superb cut flowers and hold their colour beautifully when dried for everlasting arrangements. Tall trailing forms can stretch from 0.9 to 1.5 m, creating a real focal point.

Planting

This is a frost-tender, warm-season annual, so wait until soil has warmed to at least about 16 C. Direct-sow in situ in mid-spring after frost danger passes, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant out afterwards. The seeds are very small, so sow shallowly and barely cover them with about 0.3 cm of fine soil. At an optimum 21-24 C, seedlings emerge in roughly 7-10 days. Space ornamental plants around 30 cm apart, thinning vigorous trailing types to 45-60 cm. Choose a sheltered, sunny, south- or west-facing spot.

Fertilizing

Feeding needs are low. In fertile, humus-rich garden soil little or no fertilizer is required; if you wish, a balanced all-purpose feed such as 10-10-10 works well. Avoid high or synthetic nitrogen, which dulls leaf colour and causes the foliage to accumulate nitrates.

Care

Give full sun (6+ hours) for the richest colour, though partial shade is tolerated. Grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soil at pH 6-7 and keep it evenly moist for the most vibrant tassels; once established it is fairly drought-tolerant, but poor soils need freer watering in dry summer spells. Tall specimens may need staking. Watch for aphids, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Blooms run from summer into autumn, with first flowers about three months after sowing. Cut fresh stems when three-quarters of the florets are open for a vase life of 7-10 days.