Red Spike – Amaranthus Seed

Darkest red amaranth in our trials.
Ideal color and form for late summer and fall arrangements. More useful than other upright types because of its gracefully arched, feathery plumes. Compared to Opopeo, Red Spike’s flower heads are darker red, more arched, and airier. When plants are young and leaves are tender, the foliage makes a nice edible green. Also known simply as amaranth. Ht. 48-60". Avg. 40,600 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C).

SOWING: Support may be necessary.
Transplant: Sow 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Barely cover seed. Bottom water or mist to avoid covering seeds with displaced soil. Harden off by growing at 62-65°F (17-18°C) and transplant outside after last frost.
Direct seed: After last frost, sow thinly, barely covering the seed. When seedlings have first true leaves, thin to 12-15" apart.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Well-drained soil.

PLANT SPACING: 12-15". For upright, plume type, thinner and more manageable stems can be achieved using a tighter spacing of 3-6".

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Fresh: Harvest when at least 3/4 of the flowers on the inflorescence are open.
Dried: Harvest when seed has begun to set and flowers feel firm to the touch. To dry, hang nontrailing varieties upside down. Stand trailing varieties upright in a bucket or other tall container to maintain the draped appearance.

USES: Fresh or dried cut flower, back of bed, accent in borders, and containers.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Amaranthus spp.