Amaranthus cruentus ‘Purple Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-1.

Whats up everybody! I hope this put up finds you nicely! Temperatures are undoubtedly getting cooler. The candy corn and inexperienced beans have been harvested with nice outcomes. The ‘Unbelievable’ candy corn produced 200 ears and the ‘Peaches and Cream’ produced 141 ears. Most of them made it to the freezer… The final planting of ‘Supplier’ inexperienced beans was bizarre, however I nonetheless put 21 quarts within the freezer. That ought to final me for some time.

This put up is in regards to the Amaranthus cruentus ‘Purple Spike’ I introduced house from Wagler’s Greenhouse on June 11. I noticed them on an earlier go to however knew it could develop pretty massive so I wished to verify I had a correct location. I made a decision it could match on the left aspect of the steps on the north aspect of the home, so I went again and picked one out.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Purple Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-2.

I hadn’t planted any Amaranth since I lived in Mississippi, so I believed it could be a good suggestion. Info on-line says ‘Purple Spike’ grows 48-60″ tall, however this plant has grown to roughly 80″ tall and 60″ extensive.

Johnny’s Chosen Seed says ‘Purple Spike’ is the darkest purple of their trials. The colour of the flowers is certainly darkish purple, however in full solar they appear to nearly glow.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Purple Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-3.

Whereas Amaranth is alleged to be deer-resistant, different critters like grasshoppers like their leaves. Judging by the guy hiding within the above picture, they might additionally just like the flowers.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Purple Spike’ on 9-3-24, #1021-4.

I discovered this inchworm snacking on the leaves as nicely when taking photographs on September 3. I’m unsure if he was saying “hello” or “get misplaced”… Maybe he was posing for a photograph.

So, what‘s my impression of this cultivar? I might undoubtedly give it a 5-star ranking for colour, sturdy progress, ease of care, and drought tolerance. It simply grows with out a lot care in any respect. I did must tie it to the porch railing which is regular for crops of this dimension.

Most of you most likely know what Amaranth is, however for these of you who don’t, I’ll fill you in just a little. As of proper now, there are 93 species within the Amaranthus genus which can be both native or launched to just about each nation on the earth. There are 183 genera within the plant household Amaranthaceae. Whereas I’ve loved rising a number of family members (Alternanthera, Amaranthus, Celosia, and Gomphrena), the dreaded Amaranthus spinosus (Spiny Amaranth/Pigweed) and Chenopodium album (Lamb’s Quarters) develop wild on the farm.

Amaranth cruentus is a local of Central America that has been launched to different nations. Like many Amaranth species, they’ve been in cultivation since round 4,000 BC getting used as a grain crop and a leaf vegetable. The seeds are sometimes floor into flour and the younger leaves are used like spinach. The seeds can be popped like popcorn.

If you’re concerned about giving Amaranthus cruentus ‘Purple Spike’ a shot, there are numerous web sites promoting seed on-line. Considered one of my favorites from the previous was Amaranthus caudatus (Love Lies Bleeding). Crops are simple to develop from seed by urgent seed into the soil, both within the floor in any case hazard of frost has handed or inside. Simply keep in mind, if you transplant younger crops, they’ll must be spaced 3-4 ft or extra aside to permit for his or her final dimension.

Click on HERE to view the web page for the plant household Amaranthaceae I’ve had expertise with. There are hyperlinks to their very own pages.

Till subsequent time, be secure, keep constructive, at all times be grateful, and GET DIRTY!