Hopi Red Dye Amaranth (45 Days)

Young leaves are packed full of healthful nutrients and can be used fresh in salads or steamed. The burgundy inflorescence is showy, beautiful in arrangements, and in a flower garden. Hopi Red Dye Amaranth seeds are edible and harvested for grain. The flower bracts are used for a natural red dye. 

100 seeds 

PLANTING

Amaranthus cruentus

Germination: 10-15 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-80ºF

Seed Planting Depth: On the surface, lightly cover.

Sowing Indoors Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-80ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Transplant after last frost, 6-12" apart.

Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost when the soil temperature reaches 70ºF. Sow a few seeds every 3-6", thin to 6-12" apart. 

Harvest: Start picking young leaves when the plants are 12" tall.

Tips: Hopi Red Dye Amaranth should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. Amend with compost or well-rotted manure. Pinch plants back to encourage young leaves to grow.