Amaranthus cruentus
Purple Amaranth
Photo of Amaranthus cruentus - Purple Amaranth
No photo for the moment for Amaranthus cruentus - Purple Amaranth
Please note: You must be the owner of the posted photo and it must not be copyrighted.
Things You Must Knows cannot be held responsible for photos posted in violation of this rule
Common Name:
Plant Type:
Sun (From 0 to 5):
Water (From 0 to 5):
Maximum temperature:
Minimum temperature:
Maximum height:
Maximum width:
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Description
Amaranthus cruentus is a flowering plant species that yields the nutritious staple amaranth grain. It is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated as a grain source, the other two being Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus. In Mexico, it is called huautli and alegría and in English it has several common names, including blood amaranth, red amaranth, purple amaranth, prince's feather and Mexican grain amaranth. In Maharashtra, it is called as shravani maath ("श्रावणी माठ") or rajgira ("राजगिरा").
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Blooming
Blooms dense cymes of red or green flowers followed by seed heads. Prolong flowering by watering freely during dry summer periods.
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Growth
Erect, spreading, or prostrate annuals or short-lived perennials. Does best with full sun or partial shade. Can reach 3 ft. tall in some species. Can become invasive. In less hardy areas, grow Amaranthus in containers or hanging baskets, or use as summer bedding. Also works as a short-lived houseplant, or raise in a temperate greenhouse. Flowers of A. caudatus and A. hypochondriacus are suitable for drying and cuttings for use in flower ensembles.
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Planting
Sow seeds in mid spring. Will only germinate when soil temperatures are above 70ºF/21ºC. Can start seedlings indoors and transplant when soil reaches appropriate temperature.
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Pest
Aphids. White and brown rust. Prone to virus diseases and fungi leaf parasites. Watch for root rot.
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Interesting facts
Amaranth seeds contain an unusually high amount of protein for a plant source. Amaranthus is found in tropical and temperate regions across the globe.
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) - Soil and irrigation
Needs regular water. Grow in moist soil, moderately fertile and humus-rich. A. caudatus tolerates poor soil. Provide a mulch to enhance soil water retention.
