Just wanted to share my love of amaranth.
Amaranth from last season growing in clay with two inches of raised bed mix on top and in 4 hours of sun (this area only gets afternoon sun). Watered every week or two or whenever I remembered here in Phoenix, AZ where we received little rainfall last year. Leaves were beloved by pests but the amaranth didn’t mind at all.
The ones that grew the fastest had these gnarly roots!
It was still alive in December when I decided to cut it down.
They conveniently planted themselves (or maybe this was where I winnowed?) where I planned on starting some garden beds along the patio.
This was the only crop I was successful with last year. Seeing the beautiful burgundy flowers filled me with such joy.
I believe I have amaranthus viridis growing, as well. This overwintered in my garden. I tried the leaves and they taste like amaranth microgreens to me, much milder than the amaranthus cruentus.
The amaranthus cruentus leaves taste good cooked to me, especially in Indian recipes in place of spinach. Having a dark, leafy green I can grow in the summer in my climate is fantastic. I’ve yet to try saving the seeds for food, but I sure love some alegría.
I’d be happy to talk about Amaranth and see pictures, if anyone wants to share!
