Amaranthus -Emerald Tassels offers a spectacular show for your kitchen and floral arrangements. The seeds can be ground into flour or popped and the young leaves are used in salads like spinach.
Emerald Tassels Amaranth, known for its stunning, long, cascading seed heads that are a deep, emerald green color, is a unique and visually striking variety of amaranth. Here’s a guide on how to grow, eat, and save the seeds of this plant:
Growing Emerald Tassels Amaranth
Selecting the Right Spot: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Amaranth thrives in warm conditions.
Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with organic compost to ensure it’s fertile and well-aerated. Amaranth prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds in late spring, after the last frost. Sow them directly into the ground, about 1/4 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart, as they need room to grow.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Amaranth is drought tolerant once established but benefits from consistent moisture during germination and early growth.
Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer a few weeks after germination to encourage healthy growth.
Weeding and Mulching: Keep the area weed-free and consider mulching to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Eating Emerald Tassels Amaranth
Leaves: Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
Seeds: Once mature, the seeds can be harvested and cooked. They can be popped like popcorn, cooked into porridge, or used in baking.
Stems: Tender stems can be cooked and have a flavor and texture similar to asparagus.
Saving Seeds
Harvesting: Wait for the seed heads to dry on the plant. They should be a light tan color and feel dry to the touch.
Collecting Seeds: Cut the seed heads and hang them upside down in a dry, ventilated area. Place a container or cloth underneath to catch falling seeds.
Separating Seeds: Once fully dry, shake or rub the seed heads to release the seeds. You can use a fine sieve to separate seeds from chaff.
Storing Seeds: Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers to protect them from moisture and pests.
Labeling: Don’t forget to label your containers with the seed type and date of harvest.
Remember, every growing condition is unique, so it’s important to observe your plants and adjust care as needed. Enjoy the beauty and bounty of your Emerald Tassels Amaranth!
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.