Care of the plant Amaranthus hybridus or Smooth pigweed |
|
The Amaranthus genus, Amaranthaceae family, comprises more than 100 species of tropical plants native to all continents. Some species are: Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus salicifolius, Amaranthus paniculatus, Amaranthus gangeticus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Common names: Smooth pigweed, Green amaranth, Slim amaranth, Red amaranth, Smooth amaranth. They are erect plants that reach 70 cm (2.29 feet) high. They have alternate oval or lanceolate leaves that can be brightly colored. The flowers are tiny and appear in long reddish spikes that last a long time on the plant. They bloom in summer. They are used in flower beds, next to a wall well protected from cold and wind, in front of groups of shrubs or in pots 50 cm (1,64 feet) deep. These plants are consumed as food in countries like Mexico. Amaranthus hybridus needs a sunny exposure, warm temperatures and to be protected from the wind. The soil should be low in lime, well drained and fresh. The transplant to the final place is done in early spring. Water frequently (in summer every day) but never water; reduce watering in winter. Fertilize the soil with compost or manure before planting. To improve the coloring of the leaves, a foliar fertilizer can be used every 15 days during the spring. They do not need pruning but their spontaneous reproduction must be controlled since they can become invasive plants. They are plants prone to attack by mites. They propagate from winter sown seeds in a seedbed protected from the cold; seedlings transplanted into 10 cm (3.93") diameter pots and planted in their final location in spring. |
Images of the plant Amaranthus hybridus or Smooth pigweed |
 Amaranthus hybridus  Amaranthus hybridus  Amaranthus hybridus |