Amaranthus cruentus
Days to Maturity: 30 (edible leaves), 50 (flower), 100 (seed)
This vigorous amaranth sprang up in the germination test, with 100% of seeds sprouting in just 2 days! A tall variety that can grow to 9 feet in optimal conditions. Dryland adapted. Enjoy the grain as a cereal or porridge, or try making alegria, the traditional Mexican popped amaranth and honey candy that is SO delicious!
Original seeds sourced from Native Seeds/SEARCH, who found them in a Nahua market in Tuleyhualco outside Mexico City. Grown by Groundwork in Paonia, CO.
Planting Instructions: Plant Huatl Amaranth seeds directly in ground after last frost. Keep moist until germinated. Thin to 2 feet apart. Highly drought tolerant. In many warmer climates, amaranth will return year after year so plant where you don't mind it returning!
Seed Saving Instructions: When seed is mature it will easily fall into a bucket when stems are shaken. Clip entire seedhead into bucket and stomp to dislodge seed, or shake while still on plant. Store seeds in a paper or mesh bag in a cool, dark and dry location.
Approx 250 Huatl Amaranth seeds per packet