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Amaranthus caudatus Fat Spike
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Amaranthus caudatus Fat Spike
Half-hardy Annual
- Flowers: Summer
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well drained
- Height: 48 inches
- Germination: Easy
- Aftercare: Easy
- Ideal for: Border, Cottage Garden, Cut Flower
Description
Highly attractive erect fat spikes in deep purplish red, from 3inch thick tapering to 1inch, as if standing guard. Ideal as a border filler, and for flower arranging.
Sowing Instructions
| Sowing time: | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or outdoors in long season areas after last frost once weather has warmed |
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Sow in pots or trays of moist seed sowing mix and cover with a very fine sprinkling of sowing mix or vermiculite. Keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). During germination, allow the temperature to reduce at night. This will occur naturally if using a heated propagator is avoided. After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the sowing mix moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 3-15 days.
Growing Instructions
When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart. For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun.
Aftercare Instructions
The cut flowers last well in water and can also be dried. If this is done carefully the flowers keep their color for some time. For pot plants provide a humid atmosphere.