Amaranthus caudatus

‘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.