Amaranth, Chinese, 'Red Aztec'

Germination

Best sown directly but can be sown early indoors. Sow 5mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. +20°C. Germination takes 14-21 days. Transplant once seedlings are large enough to handle to the garden/ final growing position and if the temperature has warmed above 16°C. Allow 20cm spacing for adult plants and 10cm for babyleaf. Sow directly once danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Sow into rows of prepared soil. Sow thinly 5mm deep in rows with 30cm spacing. Keep moist and weed free. Germination is rapid.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained, light soil in full sun. Once established requires little attention. Water during dry weather but do not overwater.

Cultivation

Cut and come again. Harvest leaves from 30 days, 8 weeks from sowing. Smaller leaves are more tender, larger leaves have a stronger flavour. Harvest leaves from the top of the plant to encourage the formation of sideshoots, or pull the whole plant. Remove flowers as soon as they appear otherwise leaf production will cease. May also be grown as a microgreen.