amaranth seed plant Elephant Head Amaranth

amaranth seed plant Elephant Head AmaranthHuge dark burgundy red plumes look as if an elephant is raising its trunk into the air. The Elephant Head Amaranth is a long timer bloomer that grows to 5 feet, grabbing attention in the garden. It is also an excellent cut flower. An heirloom that was brought here from Germany in the 1880s. 100 seeds PLANTING Amaranthus Gangeticus Annual Germination: 10 15 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65 75F Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the

Huge dark burgundy red plumes look as if an elephant is raising its trunk into the air. The Elephant Head Amaranth is a long-timer bloomer that grows to 5 feet, grabbing attention in the garden. It is also an excellent cut flower. An heirloom that was brought here from Germany in the 1880s.      

100 seeds

PLANTING

Amaranthus Gangeticus

Annual

Germination: 10-15 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly cover

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperature. Transplant apart after the last frost, 12-18” apart.  

Sowing Outdoors: Starting around the last frost date, sow lightly and thin to 6-8” apart. Sow again in midsummer for late-season blooms

Growth Habit: Upright, branching

Height and Width:  48-60" x 36" 

Spacing: 12-18" apart

Light Needs: Full sun 

Soil Needs: Elephant Head Amaranth needs average to fertile, well-drained soil

Approximate days to flower from seed: 60-75 days

Uses: Flower beds, containers, fresh or dried cut flowers, edible seeds and leaves, accent plant

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting. Pinch to encourage branching. Water during dry periods. Harvest flowers for drying and hang upside down in a dark room with good airflow.