Amaranth / Amaranth /
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Characteristics: good balance of mineral, especially rich in iron,
magnesium.
Amaranth originated in the Andean region of South America and has been
cultivated since the Inca Empire. Amaranth grows tall and bushy, and
can be tall as 2 m. They make a beautiful back-of-the-flower-border
plant or temporary shrub. Easy to grow in full sunlight, amaranth thrives
against warm, southern walls. Amaranth is easily grown from seed if
planted after the last frost in warm soil. The leaves are spear-shaped
and range in color from green to dark red, yellow, orange and even fluorescent
pink. Amaranth foliage is edible as a cooked green and is very nutritious
with a spinach-like flavor.
