However, the birds may have gotten to a lot more of them than you will. Another way to harvest the amaranth is once the seeds begin to readily fall from the tassels , take the seed heads in your hands and rub them over a bucket to catch the seed.
To harvest amaranth grains, let the plant go all the way to flower . Keep an eye on the flowers as they bloom and begin to die back. Before they all turn brown, cut the flowers off and place them in bags, where they will dry. Shake the bag once they are dry, or knock the seeds loose over a cloth.
How do you grow amaranth from seed?
Sowing and Planting Amaranth Sow amaranth seeds indoors. Use well-draining soil with a p. H between 6 and 7 . Plant amaranth 6-8 weeks before moving them outdoors. Move plants outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. Sow seeds outdoors in warmer climates.
Another thing we wanted the answer to was; can you eat amaranth seeds?
But those sold as edible varieties are selected for their good seed production and especially tasty leaves. Amaranth is native to North America and Central America, and is usually planted from seed as soon as the last frost has passed in the spring. If you are eager for early harvest, you can start the seeds indoors as much as eight weeks earlier.
How long do you cook amaranth?
Try this amaranth recipe. Cooking time: 20-25 minutes . Liquid per cup of grain: 2 1/2 – 3 cups. How to cook amaranth: Combine amaranth seeds with two and a half cups water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for up to 20 minutes, until grains are fluffy and water is absorbed.
For a porridge-like consistency, use slightly more water (three cups for one cup of grain) and cook a little longer. You can also “ pop ” amaranth like corn; simply preheat a pot or skillet over high heat (must be very hot), and add amaranth seeds one or two tablespoons at a time.
What can you grow on Amaranth stalks?
Its stalk is a popular fun trellis for vine plants such as beans and peas to climb up. The grain provides food for birds and the flowers are adored by bees. Amaranth is also a warm-season leaf vegetable, with edible leaves that can be enjoyed like salad greens .
We all have plants we like to grow for “ fun .” Amaranth is one of those fun plants for me. The leaves and seeds are an excellent source of nutrition, but I love just to watch the plants grow . The tall stalks are an impressive addition to the garden, and when the wind blows the flowers wave back and forth like vibrant, fuzzy flags.
You may be asking “What is the best soil for Amaranth?”
Amaranth is less sensitive to soil variability than many other plants, but will grow best in soil with a p. H between 6 and 7 . Extremely rich soil will actually reduce a plant’s amount of flowers. If you’re hoping for flowers, don’t fertilize or otherwise enrich the soil.
How tall do Amaranth plants grow?
Amaranth is responsive to nitrogen and phosphorous. Plants grown in average garden soil will be four-feet to six-feet tall, while those grown in rich soil or compost may reach over eight feet. Optimum soil is a well-drained loam but both plants will do well in all but poorly aerated clay soils.
How do you know when Amaranth is ready?
Harvest amaranth leaves as needed. Younger leaves are better raw while the older leaves are better cooked. About 3 months after planting, amaranth seeds will be ready for harvest. You can test if they are ready by rubbing the flowerheads between your fingers and checking if seeds easily fall out .