Origin
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray is a plant species that originated in North America and has since spread throughout different parts of the world.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as "Plains Amaranth" or "Arizona Amaranth."
Uses
This species of Amaranthus is commonly used in traditional Mexican medicine as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, fever, and headaches. The leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant are edible and can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. Some indigenous communities also use the plant as a source of red dye for textiles. Additionally, the plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its striking appearance.
General Appearance
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray is a tall annual plant that can grow up to 6 feet in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate or elliptic in shape, measuring about 1 to 5 inches in length. The leaves, stems, and branches are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and they are densely packed into long, slender, and erect spikes that can grow up to a foot in length. The seeds are small, shiny, and black in color, measuring about 1 mm in diameter.
Light Requirements
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray requires full sunlight to grow. It is a heat-loving plant that thrives in sunny locations. If your garden does not receive adequate sunlight, it is best to grow this plant indoors with the help of grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
It is an annual plant that requires warm temperatures. The ideal soil temperature for planting Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray is between 65 and 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 90°F but cannot survive frosts and cold weather. Therefore, it's best to plant it during the warmer months of the year.
Soil Requirements
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray grows well in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It is a relatively drought-tolerant plant, but it prefers consistently moist soil. Overwatering or waterlogging should be avoided as they can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure can improve soil fertility and texture.
Cultivation of Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray is a hardy annual plant that is easy to cultivate. For successful cultivation, it is recommended to grow the plant during the warm months of the year, from spring to mid-summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of most soil types. It can be grown in a variety of locations, including gardens, pots, and raised beds. If growing in pots or raised beds, ensure drainage holes are present to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Needs of Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray requires regular watering to thrive. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, providing one inch of water per week. However, it is crucial to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Water the plant early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid evaporation.
Fertilization of Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray
To ensure healthy growth and development, it is recommended to fertilize Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can cause leaf burn.
Pruning of Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray
Pruning is an important aspect of maintaining Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray. The plant should be pinched back when it reaches a height of around 6 inches. This encourages lateral branching, resulting in a bushier plant with more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms is also recommended to promote continuous blooming. Cut back the plant to half its height at the end of the growing season to prevent the plant from reseeding and becoming invasive.
Propagation of Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray is a species of amaranth, also known as Greek amaranth, that is commonly grown for its edible leaves, stems, and seeds. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray is through seeds. This plant produces copious amounts of seeds that can be collected and sown directly into the soil. It is recommended to sow the seeds in late spring or early summer, when the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed.
Before sowing the seeds, make sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart and covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist until germination occurs, which typically takes 7 to 14 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray can also be done using cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy plants in early spring, when the plant is just starting to produce new growth. Cut a 4- to 6-inch stem from the parent plant, making sure to include at least one or two nodes.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, avoiding direct sunlight. Keep the soil evenly moist and within a few weeks, the cutting should root and new growth should appear.
Propagation by Division
Lastly, Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has several healthy stems and roots.
Plant each division into a prepared bed, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears, indicating that the division has successfully rooted.
Disease Management
Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray can be susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spot, mildew, root rot, and wilts. To manage these diseases, it is important to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The following are some disease management measures for Amaranthus graecizans:
- Plant resistant varieties whenever possible.
- Avoid overcrowding plants since it can lead to the spread of diseases.
- Water the plants at their base to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage the growth of spores.
- Remove and destroy any infected plants and debris since they can harbor diseases, which will infect healthy plants.
- Use organic fungicides on the plants as a preventive measure
Pest Management
Various pests might attack Amaranthus graecizans L. var. pubescens Uline & Bray. Some of the common pests that attack the plant include aphids, spider mites, cutworms, and flea beetles. The following are some ways to manage pest attacks on the plant:
- Manually remove the pests with a strong stream of water.
- Use insecticides, which can either be synthetic or organic, on the plants. But always follow the instructions on the label to avoid any toxic effects.
- Cover the plants with floating row covers to keep the pests off the plants and avoid the need to use insecticides.
- Plant various crops that can repel the pests next to the amaranth. For instance, planting mint or marigold among the plants can deter pests naturally.
- Use pheromone traps on the perimeter to trap and prevent pests from getting close to the plants.
