SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Barely cover 1/16"
Starting Indoors:
Six weeks before last frost, sow thinly into pots filled with a mix specifically for seed germination. Keep at 65-75°F with evenly moist conditions by placing a humidity dome over the containers until germination occurs, or by sprinkling a thin cover of vermiculite over the pots.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After all danger of frost has passed.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Amaranth 'Green Thumb' is an excellent addition to garden beds with its bold texture and is particularly suited for well-drained soils. It thrives in sunny locations, especially striking when paired with cosmos and salvias, which contrast beautifully with its incredibly vivid-green, wooly flowers. Moreover, it is a popular flower in fresh or dry bouquets, making it a great addition to any cutting garden. Sow the tiny amaranth seeds thinly and remove any weed competition while the plant is still young for the sturdiest plants.
Watering Details:
Drought tolerant. 1" a week until established; then water during dry spells.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
If soils are particularly poor, mix in an organic granular fertilizer once seedlings have reached 6-8" in height. Avoid excess fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
Tarnished plant bugs can infest flower heads. Use an organic insecticide to control. Provide freely-draining soils, for, in wet soils, emerging seedlings may die from soil pathogens. Overly moist soils also encourage various fungal root and stem rots on mature plants, causing collapse.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest for fresh cuts when 1/2 to 3/4 of the florets are open.
