Amaranthus Plant

These are tender annuals that are natives of India, the Philippines and other warm countries. They are erect-growing plants; their height ranges from 2 to 8 feet high. Their leaves are long or oval, from 2 to 4 inches long and they start out green or dark red and change to bright yellow, orange or florescent pink at the tops. They produce pretty tassels of flowers that may be wine red or chartreuse. The flowers last a long time. Those with colorful leaves don't produce as lovely flowers. A. tricolor is an edible vegetable commonly known as Tampala, Chinese Spinach and Hinn Choy. This is an old and widely distributed annual with many selections; some are grown for grain, some for their edible leaves and flower buds, others for decoration. The commonly grown Amaranth has large, tender leaves that are broad and fuzzy. They are usually green, but they are sometimes blotched with brownish purple. This plant will grow from 3 to 6 feet, but is usually cut back to encourage branching and delay flowering. This is one of the best heat-resistant greens for cooking and it grows well throughout the U.S.