‘Chinese amaranth’
FAMILY: Amaranthus
USES: Used as a winter annual for its coloured foliage display. Does well as a bedding and is very often used en masse, in mixed borders as a backdrop or as a focal point or accent at an entrance area.
SIZE: Grows to 90cm – 60c1.5m tall with a 30 – 50cm spread. Fast growing to full size in 8 – 10 weeks.
LOCATION: Full sun to partial shade. Too much shade will lead to a reduction in leaf colour. Prefers a slightly humid location. Does well in both coastal and inland areas with protection from strong winds.
SOIL: Best in an organically enriched free draining fertile sandy soil with a pH 5.6 – 7.8, acidic to mildly alkaline.
FERTILISER: Apply a light application of 14:14:14 NPK two months after planting.
WATER: Keep soil moist especially if there is a hot spike in the weather. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogging which will quickly lead to rot. Try not to spray water on the leaves to avoid fungal problems.
Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries, Al Amardi St., Al Khawaneej, P.O. Box 37579, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
