Is it possible to grow amaranth at home?

Many people know that amaranth is a versatile plant, on the basis of which you can make tea, add it to different dishes, cook porridge from grains and even amaranth flour bread... And if everything is very clear with flour and grains, they can be bought in specialized stores, because this is not a perishable product, then what about fresh leaves. Even in this case, everything is quite simple, amaranth can be grown not only on a personal plot, but also on a windowsill in your apartment. And we will tell you how to do it.

Sprouts of amaranth

At the beginning of the 20th century, amaranth was recognized as the plant of the future, and it happened at the UN General Assembly. Within the framework of this meeting, the cultivation of the plant and its beneficial qualities were discussed. It turns out that amaranth is a completely unpretentious plant that can be grown in almost any conditions. Of course, many may argue in this case, how can you grow a plant in an apartment? But this is quite possible, just know the step-by-step instructions and follow them. So, in order to grow amaranth on your windowsill, you will need:

• Amaranth seeds. You can buy them at any gardening store;
• Special soil for seedlings, you can also prepare it yourself, for this you need three parts of humus and one part of sterile sand;
• The container in which you will grow amaranth, its height should be at least 10 cm, and holes should be made in the bottom to drain moisture, otherwise the seeds will simply rot. In width, the container should be slightly narrower than the window sill, and do not forget about a special stand into which the remaining water will drain after watering;
• Plastic wrap, small shovel, watering can, or spray bottle.

After everything you need is purchased, you can start planting seeds. It should be remembered that amaranth is a thermophilic plant, therefore the most favorable months for planting it, even in an apartment, begin in May and end in September. Let's start planting amaranth seeds, step by step instructions:

• Pour the soil into the pot where the amaranth will grow, and stir well, make sure that there are no earth lumps;
• Take a separate bucket and take a fifth of the soil into it, pour the seeds into it and mix well;
• Spread the soil remaining in the pot evenly, and pour a little with settled water or sprinkle with a spray bottle;
• Pour soil with seeds into a pot and distribute evenly, then pour water in the same way, or sprinkle with a spray bottle;
• Cover the pot with cling film;
• Place the pot on a windowsill. Amaranth is a light-loving and heat-loving plant, therefore, window sills are an ideal place for growing it.

Do not forget to moisturize the soil daily. If you do everything as stated in the instructions, the first sprouts will appear in 4 - 5 days. When the amaranth germinates 3-4 centimeters, it can already be eaten.

Amaranth sprouts, which one to cook

Amaranth is often used in cooking, and this applies not only to spices with the addition of amaranth and fresh leaves, it also applies to amaranth sprouts.

Amaranth sprouts are not only tasty and beautiful, but also very useful. The seedlings contain plant stem cells, vitamins and minerals that can not only heal and rejuvenate the body, but also prevent cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, coronary artery disease and heart disease.

Of course, you cannot cook a dish of amaranth sprouts on your own, but they can be a great addition to many dishes.

An omelet with amaranth sprouts is available for breakfast. To cook it, just mix eggs, a little milk or cream, add salt and pepper to taste. Amaranth sprouts can be added to the pan, both at the time of preparation and before serving.

Also, amaranth sprouts go well with all boiled and fresh vegetables. You can make a summer salad with amaranth sprouts, or even a vinaigrette.

Amaranth sprouts can also serve as a side dish for meat or fish. To prepare a healthy side dish of green beans and amaranth sprouts, you will need:

• 300 gr. bean beans;
• 100 g amaranth seedlings;
• 1 boiled egg;
• 150 ml. cream;
• Salt and white pepper to taste.

Cook the green beans for 3 minutes in boiling salted water, then quickly drain in a colander and rinse in cold water. Then send the green beans to a hot skillet and fry for 2 minutes, then pour in the cream and reduce the heat, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then send amaranth sprouts, a finely chopped egg to a frying pan, salt and pepper, mix well and simmer a little. This side dish is served warm.

We grow Amaranth on the windowsill

If you want to grow a full-fledged plant on your balcony, then in this case you should be patient. After the seeds of amaranth have sprouted, and 3-4 leaves have appeared on the seedlings, this is a sign that the plant can be transplanted into a separate pot. In this case, you can use plastic cups. Seedling transplant:

• In plastic cups or small pots, pour the soil and lightly pour it over with water;
• In each pot, make a small depression and plant one bore there;
• Water the plant;
• Pinch the top of the sprout lightly, this procedure will help the roots of each plant grow stronger.

Although amaranth is accustomed to an arid climate, do not forget to water it regularly and spray it with water from a spray bottle. And also periodically fluff the earth a little in each pot. When the plant reaches 20-25 centimeters in height, it can already be eaten.

Amaranth leaves are an essential part of a healthy diet. Modern research confirms the fact that amaranth contains a large amount of vegetable protein, which is not inferior in its properties to animals. Amaranth leaves contain another very rare ingredient called squalene. Which, allows you to prolong youth at the cellular level.

Amaranth leaves are used in many areas.They have also gained popularity in cooking. Having grown just a few amaranth bushes on your balcony, you can not only diversify your diet, but also strengthen your health.

In cooking, amaranth leaves are most often used in soups and fresh salads, they can also be an addition to meat dishes, for example, you can cook chicken soufflé with amaranth leaves. To prepare it you will need:

• 500 gr. chicken fillet;
• 2 egg whites;
• 50 gr. fresh spinach leaves;
• 50 gr. fresh amaranth leaves;
• 50 gr. sun-dried tomatoes;
• Ground red pepper and salt to taste.

Cut the chicken fillet into small cubes and grind in a blender until a dense puree. In a separate bowl, beat 2 egg whites with the addition of a small amount of salt, until a thick, standing foam, the whites must be cold, otherwise the foam will not whisk. Chop spinach leaves, amaranth and sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper and stir in the chicken puree, then gently add the whipped egg whites.

Take plastic wrap and place the mixture on top of it, then wrap it around so that it forms an even sausage. Wrap in plastic a few more times and tie the ponytails well so that no water gets in. Dip the soufflé in boiling water and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes.

Amaranth leaves taste very similar to spinach, so in almost every recipe, spinach can be replaced with amaranth leaves.

You can also make delicious hot drinks from amaranth leaves. One of these, "Moroccan tea", for its preparation you will need:

• Several fresh mint leaves;
• Several fresh leaves of amaranth;
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Cinnamon stick;
• Slice of lemon;
• Orange slice.

Put all the ingredients in a large cup, pour boiling water over, stir and cover with a saucer for 5 minutes.

Also in tea, you can use dry amaranth leaves. It is also possible to dry amaranth leaves in an apartment. To do this, first of all, you need to prepare the leaves, they need to be washed and dried well, then cut off the cuttings. Then place them on a sheet of newspaper in a dark place. This can be a pantry or just a kitchen cabinet with tightly closing doors. On the basis of dried amaranth leaves, you can prepare a delicious soothing tea. Mix in equal amounts the dried leaves of amaranth, mint and lemon balm, add a couple of lavender inflorescences and pour boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes, you can serve this tea with honey or jam.

Amaranth is an annual, 2-3 meters high. It has a fairly fleshy stem and leaves that are red, purple, or the usual green. The flowers are golden, red or purple.

Although amaranth is a weedy crop, it is grown not only to decorate a garden or plot, but also for consumption.

Amaranth is a rather unpretentious plant. He does not require special attention to himself and does not need special care. It easily tolerates drought, light frosts and heat. Amaranth grows on all types of soils, with the exception of marshy and in any climatic zone. But with all this, the plant loves light and warmth.

Growing amaranth from seeds

To plant amaranth on your site, you just need to sow its seeds on a flower bed or plant seedlings.

Sowing in open ground

Sowing directly to the garden is possible only in those areas where the heat begins already in April. It is in this month that the seeds are sown in the ground. In this case, the earth must be sufficiently warm.

The first shoots appear in about 10 days. If the planting is too dense, it is thinned out. After that, it is imperative to loosen the soil.

Growing seedlings at home

The seedling method is used much more often. There is nothing difficult in growing amaranth seedlings on your own.You just need to follow some of the recommendations of experienced gardeners. Namely:

• It is better to start sowing seeds for seedlings in March.
• A mixture of humus and sand is best suited for sowing seeds. Before planting, this mixture must be warmed up to protect future shoots from fungi and pests.
• The capacity where it is planned to sow amaranth must be high enough at least 10 cm.
• Small holes must be made in boxes and pots in order for excess water to leave them. Otherwise, the seedlings can rot and die.
• Seeds are sown to a depth of 1.5-2 cm. The soil is preliminarily slightly moistened.
• The containers are covered with foil and placed in the light in a warm place.
• The timing of the appearance of the first shoots at home depends on the air temperature in the room. At a temperature of 22 degrees, the sprouts are born after 3-4 days. At a temperature of 16 degrees or less, the seeds will germinate no earlier than in 10 days.
• Thinning of seedlings is mandatory.
• After the appearance of 3 and 4 leaves, each plant is transplanted into a separate container. Immediately after transplanting, pinch the top of the seedling. This helps the roots get stronger faster.

Transplanting

They begin to plant seedlings in open ground in May, when the average air temperature will be at the level of 4 degrees. The soil at this temperature will already warm up quite well. Amaranth - growing at home

For disembarkation, choose a sunny and warm place. The soil for planting has been prepared since the fall. It is dug up and mineral fertilizers and humus are applied. The seedlings themselves must be hardened before planting. Then she will be able to withstand small frosts.

Amaranth care

Caring for a plant at home is pretty simple. It includes the following points:

1. Watering. It should be regular and moderate at the same time.
2. Weeding and hilling the plant.
3. Tying the stems. This procedure must be carried out so that the stems can withstand the weight of the flowers and do not break under them.
4. Pest control.
5. Top dressing with mineral and organic fertilizers.

In June, the very tops of the stems are pinched on young plants. This helps the plant grow well. The stems will become stronger and more ovaries will appear on them.

Important! Amaranth fully ripens after 3 or 3.5 months from the date of sowing the seeds. This applies to both types of plants, both vegetable and ornamental.

Seed collection

In the fall, you can start collecting seeds. Collecting them is not difficult at all. For this, amaranth is cut at the root. Panicles are laid out on any flat surface for drying. The entire drying process takes about 2 months.

After that, the panicles are sieved through a fine sieve. The sifted seeds are also spread on the surface in a thin layer and left for some time to dry. Seeds usually dry out in 10 days.

Finished seeds are put in paper bags. Already next year, new plants can be grown from them. Their shelf life is 4-5 years.

 

Amaranth is a very beautiful plant that will decorate any summer cottage. It is an annual crop, reaching 2 m in height, with a fleshy stem and leaves in red, purple and green colors. Amaranth belongs to weed crops, so it is not afraid of prolonged droughts, is little susceptible to diseases and pests, loves light and warmth. Amaranth is absolutely picky, grows on any soil, except swampy, and in all weather conditions, with the exception of the desert and the extreme north. Feels comfortable at air temperatures up to 30 ° C, easily tolerates light frosts.

Amaranth is used in livestock and poultry farming. This plant is an efficient and environmentally friendly food. It contains 18 of the existing amino acids.In addition, the plant is used in human nutrition. Amaranth flour is used in baking bakery products, grains and leaves - in conservation and as an additive in vegetable salads. Leaves and inflorescences are used to make medicinal tea that can remove harmful salts and radionuclides from the body. Amaranth oil is very useful and widely used in the food industry and in cosmetology.

   

Amaranth: varieties

 

There are many varieties of this beautiful and healthy plant. Let's consider the most popular ones:

 

Amaranth "Red-leaved"

The variety is decorative. Plant height can reach up to 1.5 m in height. Inflorescences of dark purple color in the form of "tails" hang down almost to the ground. The leaves are deep red in color.

 

Amaranth "Gulliver"

The variety is decorative. It is a low-growing crop, reaching a height of 50 to 70 cm. This variety is unusual because of its appearance - flowers form from the ground to the top of the plant, forming a beautiful ear of small flowers of dark purple or almost black color. "Gulliver" is very similar to an exotic cactus.

 

Amaranth "Elbrus"

The variety is decorative. It is a dwarf plant about 70 cm tall. Unusual 15 cm pyramidal inflorescences are white with a greenish tint.

 

Amaranth "Argentinian"

This is a classic bush variety of amaranth, reaching a height of 1.5 m. It has a large number of "tails" of violet-lilac color. It is from this type of amaranth that decorative bouquets are made.

 

Amaranth "White-seed"

This is a very valuable amaranth species that is used for pet food. The plant reaches 2 m in height, has large grayish leaves. Panicle-shaped pyramidal inflorescences are bright red or green in color.

 

Amaranth "Tailed"

The classic type of amaranth, which is used to decorate bouquets. Has inflorescences of various colors.

 

Amaranth "Emerald"

The variety got its name for its beautiful green color. Amaranth grows up to 70 cm in height.

 

Amaranth "Helios"

This is a grain type of amaranth. Its leaves are light green, "tails" are orange. The largest percentage of amaranth oil is extracted from this variety.

 

Amaranth "Aztec"

It is a forage amaranth species. In addition to fodder for livestock, it is used to make amaranth oil, and grain is used for baking bakery products. The height of the culture reaches 1.5 m. It has red-green leaves and a red panicle.

 

Amaranth "Sem"

It is a forage amaranth species. Used to make amaranth oil. Has a high protein content. The stem, panicle and leaves are red.

 

Amaranth "Kharkovsky 1"

A universal variety of amaranth (food, feed, grain and medicinal). Has green leaves and a panicle of the same color

 

Amaranth "Lera"

This predominantly grain variety of amaranth is also used to make butter. It has a green stem and green leaves with red veins. The panicle is always red.

 

Amaranth: growing from seed

 

Sowing amaranth seeds in open ground.

 

Amaranth should be sown directly into the soil only in the southern regions of our country. For sowing, select a sunny and dry place, sheltered from the wind. Please note that the plant does not tolerate stagnation of moisture in the soil. The preparation of the site for sowing depends on what goals you are pursuing. If you plant amaranth as an ornamental plant, then any soil will suit it, even the most scarce and stony ones. And if for consumption, be sure to make sure that the earth is light, well-drained, moderately acidic and rich in nutrients.

When to plant amaranth seeds in open ground? Sowing is carried out from late April to mid-May. It is important that by this time constant warm weather has already been established and the earth warmed up to 10 ºC. In the fall, the site is dug up, bringing compost, peat or rotted manure into the ground. In the spring, the digging is repeated, adding mineral fertilizers to the soil, carefully loosen it and level it.For amaranth, the content of phosphorus and potassium in the earth is especially important. If you are growing amaranth for food, you should avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, which can turn into dangerous nitrates. Spill the soil well and prepare furrows on the beds at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other and about 1.5 cm deep. Then sow seeds in them, cover them with a thin layer of soil and compact them slightly.

In case of frost, young plants must be covered. In the first month of the seedlings' life, it is important to carry out regular weeding and loosen the soil. Be very careful when using a hoe or hoe, as the lateral roots of the amaranth are shallow. When the amaranth grows up, remove weak plants: for healthy growth, the distance between the bushes should be at least 30 - 40 cm. The grown amaranth is no longer so demanding and does not need constant care.

In the Urals, sow amaranth in open ground can be closer to the end of May in a greenhouse, and in June transferred to open ground. You can also sow amaranth before winter, right after the ground is frozen. The crops are covered with sawdust or non-woven material. In the spring, the shelter is removed, but arcs must be placed over the garden bed and the film is stretched.

 

Growing amaranth seedlings

 

You can start germinating amaranth seeds for seedlings in early March. Since the plant has a long germination capacity, pre-soak the seed so that the seeds hatch a little, but do not germinate. Soil for amaranth can be prepared by mixing leaf humus, peat and garden soil in equal proportions. Add a little superphosphate or wood ash there. If you do not want to engage in self-preparation of the soil, you can purchase peat pots for amaranth, the plant is very fond of a loose, nutrient medium.

For the emergence of seedlings, it is important to maintain the temperature at a level not lower than +20 ° C. It is best to cover the boxes with plastic and put them in a warm place with adequate lighting. At this stage, watering should be moderate but regular, using a spray bottle to moisturize. Seedlings will appear in about two weeks, after which the amaranth must be thinned out in order to enable the seedlings to fully develop.

 

Picking amaranth seedlings

 

When 3-4 leaves appear on the sprout, each seedling must be transplanted into a separate pot. The pot must be at least 12 cm in diameter. Fill each pot with soil. It will be correct to use the same soil in which you germinated the seeds. Moisten the ground in which your seedlings grow in advance, and only then carefully remove each sprout. Make depressions in the soil and plant seedlings in it. Water the plant. After transplanting each seedling into a separate pot, pin the top of the sprout. This will help the roots of the plant grow stronger. Before planting in open ground, seedlings are fed twice: after the appearance of the first true leaves and 10 to 15 days after that. As a top dressing, you can use any complex mineral fertilizer.

 

Amaranth: transplanting seedlings into open ground

 

Planting amaranth seedlings in open ground in the Urals it is possible at the end of May, when the average daily air temperature will be at least 5 ° C. By this time, the soil has already warmed up enough, and there is no danger that frosts will hit. It is preferable to carry out this procedure on a cloudy day or at sunset. The seedling plot is prepared in the same way as for sowing. At a distance of about half a meter from each other, holes are dug about 20 cm deep. Three to four plants are planted in each of them. After that, the seedlings are abundantly watered and spud with leaf humus. In order for the plants to take root better, about a month before planting, it is worthwhile to carry out daily hardening of amaranth seedlings on the street, gradually increasing the time it is in the open air.

 

Outdoor care for amaranth

 

Amaranth is completely unpretentious to care for, it does not require a lot of moisture and any special conditions. But in order for the plant not to die and give a good harvest, it is necessary to follow some rules for caring for it. Throughout the summer, amaranth needs feeding with organic and mineral fertilizers. Although amaranth is drought tolerant, it must be watered regularly during very hot summers, otherwise it will simply stop growing. Weed and huddle plants as needed. It is imperative to tie up a tall amaranth so that its branches do not break under the weight of flowers. In June, pinch the tops of the plants, then the bushes will be more lush, the stems are stable, and the number of ovaries on the branches will be more.

 

Amaranth: diseases and pests

 

Amaranth can be affected by aphids. Aphid can harm amaranth only at the beginning of its life, and, as a rule, it happens in a damp rainy summer. To avoid this, for prevention, it is necessary to treat plants with biological preparations - acarin and phytoverm (karbofos). The same preparations give a good result in the fight against the weevil, the larvae of which develop in the stems of the plant, retarding their growth. If too much moisture accumulates in the soil, amaranth can get sick with fungal diseases, which are treated by spraying plants with fungicides - colloidal sulfur, copper sulfate, copper oxychloride and other similar preparations.

 

Getting amaranth seeds

 

In order to grow amaranth, seeds can be bought at any specialized store. But you can get amaranth seeds yourself. To do this, cut off the amaranth at the very base and hang the panicles to dry completely for 2 months. The room in which the amaranth will dry must be dry and well ventilated. After 2 months, sift the panicles with a very fine mesh sieve. Place the extracted seeds on the surface in the same well-ventilated area and leave for another 7-10 days. Stir the seeds periodically. Make sure that no rodents get to the seeds. To do this, spread elderberry twigs around the seeds. Place dried seeds in paper envelopes or boxes. You can store them for 4-5 years.

Amaranth, more recently, was a plant of little interest to amateur gardeners. Interest has increased in connection with the emergence of information about its unique healing properties. In the XX century, in our country, the cultivated species of Amaranth, imported from Mexico, were grown on an industrial scale, used as animal feed. They made silage from it, which was used to feed pigs and cattle. In the village, poultry, rabbits, goats, and calves were fed with greenery and amaranth seeds.

Thanks to scientific breeders, decorative varieties were obtained, which are successfully used to decorate home gardens and gardens. Amaranth is an excellent decoration for any garden: low varieties are suitable for decorating borders, ridges and containers, tall species look great in hedges and in the center of flower beds.

Description of the plant with a photo

Amaranth is a genus of annual grasses common in Africa, South America and other countries with subtropical and tropical climates in temperate climates, this plant is much less common. In Europe and Russia, there are about 16 species of amaranth.

The genus amaranth includes up to 70 species of plants with a height of 15 to 80 centimeters and above. In nature, tall species can be found, reaching a height of 2-3 meters. The root of this plant is thick, pivotal, goes into the ground by two, or even three meters.

The color of the stem and leaves can be either green or purplish red. In some types of amaranth, a root crop is formed. The leaves are elongated, pointed at the end, and come in different shapes: lanceolate, diamond-shaped or ovoid.

The leaf petioles at the bottom of the thick trunk are longer than those growing higher, so that the upper leaves never shade the lower ones. The flowers are small, collected in paniculate inflorescences. There are axillary and apical flowers.

In the most ornamental varieties of amaranth, the length of the panicles is large, it can reach up to 1.5 meters.

The vegetative period in plants of this genus lasts from 3 to 5 months, the duration depends on the climate. Amaranth is sown in the spring in warm soil. The temperature should not be lower than 8 ° C. The seed ripening period is from August to September. The stems and leaves turn creamy during this period. Ripe seeds fall off easily when the stem is shaken. The fruits resemble a round box. Up to 500 thousand small, dark brown seeds are formed on one plant per season.

Types and varieties

A wide variety of species and varieties of amaranth should not be misleading for a novice gardener or gardener. Before opting for a particular variety, you need to decide for what purpose it will be planted.

All varieties of amaranth, according to their purpose, can be divided into types:

• decorative;
• vegetable;
• grain;
• stern.

Decorative varieties are usually thermophilic and photophilous. Lack of light leads to a significant loss of decorativeness, they stretch out, the leaves lose their brightness and color.

Forage varieties, very productive, build up a large amount of green mass during the season. The composition of the fodder plant is no less useful and also has medicinal properties.

Vegetable varieties:

• Valentine
• In memory of Kvasov
• White list
• Sturdy

They are grown for fresh consumption of young shoots and leaves. They can also be used to prepare various dishes; during heat treatment, the plant retains its beneficial properties.

Grain varieties contain a large percentage of squalene in grains - a liquid hydrocarbon so necessary for the human body for its anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and fungicidal properties. From grain varieties of amaranth, oil is produced, which has medicinal properties.

Amaranth Tricolor

Amaranth Tricolor

Beautiful and showy, the plants of this species are annuals: erect, pyramidal shrubs. Narrow, slightly wavy leaves have a three-color color: green, yellow, red. All varieties of this species are very decorative. Plant height from 0.6 m to 1.5 m.

Variety Illumination

Variety Illumination

This is a beautiful, light-loving plant. Stem height from 0.5 m to 0.7 m. Large leaves are painted in different colors. On one sheet plate there can be patterns: green, yellow, red. Young leaves, which have just appeared on the crown, are yellowish-red, change color over time and become reddish-orange. The lower leaves are bronze.

Prefect Grade

Prefect Grade

Refers to the type of amaranth tricolor. As with all plants of this species, it is characterized by a tricolor color of the leaves. The lower leaves are colored green, covered with brownish-red spots. The leaves located at the top of the stem have a traditional tricolor color.

Earley Splendor variety

Earley Splendor variety

Plants of this variety have an original color. The lower leaves are dark, almost black, purplish green. The upper leaves are bright crimson.

Variety Aurora

Variety Aurora

Plants of this variety are bushy. The leaves are beautiful, wavy, painted golden yellow.

Amaranth Dark

Amaranth Dark

Amaranth dark is an annual herb. Weakly branched bush, grows up to 1.5 meters. Leaves are medium in size with a pointed end. The color of the leaves is red-brown or greenish-red-brown. Inflorescences are erect, spike-shaped. The color is red-violet.

Pigmi Torch variety

Pigmi Torch variety

A compact bush-shaped plant with inflorescences reaching a length of 0.4 m, at first they are red-purple, later they turn brown. Young green leaves grow up to become multi-colored. The height of the bush is 0.6 meters.

Green Tamb variety

Green Tamb variety

A low-growing plant of emerald green color.

Amaranth Tailed

Rothschwants variety

Tailed amaranth can be found in natural conditions in Africa, Asia, South America, these are tall one and a half meter plants. The stems are powerful, erect. The elongated, egg-shaped leaves come in two colors, purple or green. Inflorescences are paniculate, long. The colors are crimson or yellowish green. Plants of this species bloom from June to October. Popular varieties:

1. Grunschwarz. Tall plant. Inflorescences are light green.
2. Rothschwants. Tall bush (0.75 m.). Inflorescences are red.

Amaranth Panicled

Roter Dam grade

Amaranth paniculata is an annual herb that came to us from Asia. The varieties were bred as tall up to 1.5 meters in height, and undersized (dwarf) no higher than 20 cm.The color of the leaves is dark red. Erect inflorescences of purple color, appear in June, bloom until frost. Dwarf varieties popular among gardeners:

• Rother Dam;
• Rother Paris;
• Grune Torch;
• Hot Biscuit;
• Zwergafakel.

Growing from seeds at home

The climate in our country, for the most part, is harsh and amateur gardeners have to grow amaranth in seedlings. In southern regions with warm winters, sowing can be carried out directly into the soil. Seeds germinate quickly enough at a soil temperature of 15 ° C.

When to plant seeds for seedlings?

A common question a grower has when breeding a new crop. In the case of amaranth, seeds can be sown as early as mid-February. But then you need to be ready to light up young shoots. As in February - March there is still little sun. So that the seedlings do not stretch out, without supplementary lighting, in the Middle Lane, Moscow region, in the Urals, I recommend sowing amaranth no earlier than mid-March.

First, prepare containers for sowing - they should be wide and not very deep, their height should not be more than 10 centimeters.

Soil preparation

For growing amaranth seedlings, a universal soil sold in flower shops is suitable. The soil, home-made, should consist of garden soil, peat, humus. The basic requirements for it are simple, it must be: nutritious, loose, breathable, with a neutral reaction.

Both purchased and home-made soil must be disinfected before use. Any old-fashioned processing methods are suitable: steaming, calcining, freezing, processing with a solution of potassium permanganate, and modern methods using various drugs. Today, soil cultivation products are popular:

• copper sulfate;
• colloidal sulfur;
• systemic fungicides (Fitosporin, Alirin-B, Gamir, Extrasol).

Sowing

Planting boxes must be filled with soil and watered. Scatter the seeds over the surface and cover them with a layer of 0.5 cm. Spray the top layer of earth from a sprayer and close the boxes on top with cling film, you get mini-greenhouses.

Put greenhouses in a warm place, the higher the air temperature, the faster the seeds will sprout. Usually, if the room temperature is 22 ° C and higher, the sprouts hatch within a week, after the appearance of green sprouts, the film must be removed.

To obtain strong seedlings, the seedlings must be cut into separate cups, and a pick should be carried out after the appearance of a real leaf.

Seedling care

Caring for amaranth seedlings does not differ from caring for seedlings of other garden and horticultural crops. Amaranth seedlings must be watered, the soil in the cups must be constantly moist. In February and March, the daylight hours are short, the seedlings need illumination, fluorescent lamps can be used to supplement the illumination of the seedlings.

It is necessary to carry out hardening.Start ten days before planting young plants in a permanent place. You can harden in two ways:

• take boxes with plants to the street or balcony;
• open the window for ventilation.

All about growing amaranth: video

Landing in open ground

The last days of May are the most suitable time for planting seedlings in open ground. Place the ridges in a place well-lit by the sun; amaranth loves light.

Plants growing on the sunny side have brighter leaves and flowers.

Plant seedlings in an ordinary way. The optimal track width between two rows is 0.5 meters. In a row, place plants 12 cm apart, thin out as they grow. If amaranth is planted to obtain young greenery, you can use a 15 cm by 15 cm pattern.

It is better to carry out work on transplanting seedlings on ridges in cloudy weather or in the evening; in sunny weather, young plantings can be covered from the sun for several days. In the shade, plants adapt faster to a new place and grow.

Summer flower care

After transplanting on a ridge, amaranth grows slowly for a month, it has an active root formation, at this time the ridge must be weeded out at least twice. Then the amaranth begins to grow rapidly by almost 6 cm per day.

During active growth, the need for weeding disappears, amaranth inhibits all weeds. Care at this time consists of periodic thinning of plants, shallow loosening of row spacings, watering, top dressing.

Without fertilizers, a good harvest cannot be obtained. Amaranth responds well to fertilizing, loves watering with an ash solution. Nitrogen fertilizers are not often used, as increased leaf growth can slow down flowering. Top dressing should be done in the morning after the soil has been well watered.

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Growing and caring for amaranth: video

Diseases and pests

There are pests that interfere with the normal growth of amaranth. Basically, plantings suffer from weevils and aphids, penetrating into plant stems, weevil larvae damage plants, inhibit its growth.

Large colonies of aphids are also capable of inhibiting the plant. It is recommended to treat plants infected with pests with drugs. Popular treatments for aphids and weevils:

• karbofos solution;
• actellic.

If the summer is rainy, the air is humid, then favorable conditions are created for the reproduction of the fungus and the occurrence of fungal diseases. For medicinal purposes, plantings must be treated with a solution of colloidal sulfur or copper sulfate.

How to collect seeds

Usually, in late August, early September, amaranth panicles change color, turn orange. The plant stems and color change, they become light. It is by these signs that they learn that the seeds are already ripe, if the seeds begin to fall off the panicle.

To harvest the seeds, the plants must be cut off. Lay out the plucked panicles in the shade in a draft. Dry for a week, then thresh, sprinkle the seeds after threshing in a thin layer to dry and dry for at least two weeks. Seed germination lasts for 4-5 years.

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Useful properties of amaranth

Amaranth, regardless of the type, is endowed with useful properties. For treatment, tailed amaranth is usually used. All parts of the plant are medicinal raw materials. Leaves are harvested until the amaranth has bloomed. In summer, when the plant is in bloom, panicles are cut. At the end of August or at the beginning of September, the seeds are collected, and later the roots are dug up.

Amaranth seeds contain more protein than all other crops grown by humans. Amaranth protein is not inferior in composition to cow's milk.

Seeds are rich in vitamins and microelements necessary for a person. The phytosterols, squalene and polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in it give particular value to the product.Oil obtained from seeds is used to treat and prevent many diseases:

• atherosclerosis;
• heart disease;
• hypertension;
• cervical erosion;
• ovarian cyst;
• fibroids;
• cataract.

Amaranth is considered an effective immune stimulant due to its high content of squalene. Preparations containing squalene are used in the treatment of:

• burns;
• stomach ulcers;
• tumors;
• dental diseases (periodontitis).

Amaranth leaves are valued for their content: carotenoids, zooxanthin, rutin and calcium. Salads can be made from amaranth leaves, plucked before flowering, they are especially useful for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, people who are overweight and constipated. Leaves can be dried, used as a seasoning in winter.

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Homemade oil recipe

Healing amaranth oil can be bought, or you can cook it yourself at home. First grind the seeds in a coffee grinder, then transfer them to a glass container and cover with vegetable oil. Oil, for these purposes, you need unrefined. Insist for a week, then strain. Already strained oil, you can re-fill the seeds and stand for another 7 days, this will increase the concentration of nutrients in amaranth oil.

Oil prepared in this way can be used to treat psoriasis. For the first week, drink a dessert spoon of oil, twice a day, half an hour before meals. Then, for three months, a tablespoon, three times a day before meals. For three months drip into the nostrils with a full pipette of oil: once in the morning, once in the evening. Affected areas of the skin, lubricate with oil several times a day. With oil, you can treat periodontitis, for this you just need to rinse your mouth twice a day.

How to lose weight with amaranth oil

To lose weight you need:

1. Go on a low-calorie diet.
2. Limit the consumption of animal fats.
3. From vegetable fats, use only amaranth oil: a tablespoon 2 times a day before meals, a course of 2 weeks.

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Amaranth and traditional medicine

At home. you can prepare decoctions and infusions of amaranth, taking as a basis proven folk recipes.

Cooking the broth:

1. Grind dry leaves, flowers and roots of amaranth, 2 tbsp. pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture. boiling water.
2. Put the container with the mixture on fire and heat slowly for 15 minutes.
3. Cool the broth, strain and drink half a glass 30 minutes before meals.

Useful for the skin, both diseased and healthy bath infusion. It will take about 300 g of dry leaves and flowers and 2 liters. boiling water. Boil the infusion in a closed saucepan for 15 minutes, strain the cooled infusion and add to the bath.

In case of gastrointestinal problems, an infusion of dry leaves and flowers of amaranth, prepared in a cold way, helps: take 1 part of leaves and flowers and 10 parts of water. The water should be cold. Insist for about 20 minutes, drink the strained infusion in half a glass before meals.

For sore throat and gum problems, fresh amaranth juice helps, it must be diluted with cold boiled water. Take 1 part juice and 5 parts water, mix, rinse your mouth or throat.

Infusion for diseases of the genitourinary system is prepared from 1 liter of boiling water and 3 tbsp. spoons of crushed leaves and flowers. Drink infusion one glass a day.

Amaranth planted in a garden or a summer cottage will not only decorate it, but also help fight pests in the garden garden. If amaranth is planted next to carrots, then you can get rid of the carrot fly. Caring for him is minimal, and the benefits for the treatment and prevention of diseases are great.