Content
Vegetable amaranth Valentina is not only a beautiful ornamental plant, but also an excellent food additive. Due to the presence of many vitamins and various elements, it has incredible benefits for the body. The vegetable variety is distinguished by its versatility of use: suitable for preparing salads, teas, and decoctions.
Breeding history
Amaranth Valentina is a variety bred in 1999. It was received by P. F. Kononkov, E. V. Vasilevskaya, V. K. Gins, M. S. Gins. Selection work took place on the basis of VNIISSOK. The varieties used for creation are unknown. Amaranth Valentina received its place in the Russian State Register in 1999.
Amaranth Valentina can be grown both on personal plots and on farms
Description of vegetable amaranth variety Valentina
Amaranth variety Valentina is a vegetable crop. It is a massive plant, the height of which varies from 1 to 1.7 m. It has large stems, inflorescences and leaf blades.The shoots grow straight. They have a large number of large leaves without a border. All parts of the plant have a dark purple tint.
Amaranth variety Valentina is characterized by rapid growth. Already from the second month of cultivation, it will gain approximately 5 cm daily.
At the ends of the shoots, inflorescences form. They have a rich raspberry hue. They consist of a large number of small flowers that are collected in very dense dense panicles.
Small seeds ripen in inflorescences. They have a glossy smooth surface. When properly stored, they remain viable for up to four years.
Vegetable amaranth does not tolerate winter, so it is grown as an annual crop. In autumn, the remains of the plant can be collected and used as fertilizer. The stems and leaves are rich in beneficial components. Therefore, they can be given to pets.
Taste qualities
Amaranth variety Valentina is characterized by a rich and pleasant taste. Young leaves look like spinach. Their taste is dominated by a nutty hue with a slight sourness.
Valentina amaranth leaves are rich in vitamins C and E, carotene. They contain a high content of minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
The juice obtained from the plant is used to create a natural food coloring.
Flowering and ripening
Amaranth variety Valentina is distinguished by its early flowering. It begins to bloom 1.5-2 months after planting. The variety is characterized by long flowering, which lasts until the first frost. The plant is resistant to droughts and temporary cold snaps. They do not affect flowering in any way.
If the purpose of growing amaranth is to obtain seeds, then the panicles need to be cut off a week before they are fully ripened. Leaving them on the plant for this period will cause them to dry out. As a result, they will simply fly out of the panicles. To prevent this, the seeds must be collected and left to ripen in a warm and dry room.
How to use amaranth vegetable Valentina in food
Amaranth Valentina has a wide range of uses. Both the seeds and leaves of the plant are suitable for use as food. They are equally useful. However, the seeds contain a high concentration of beneficial components. If you collect enough of them, you can make amaranth oil from them. In addition, the seeds are used to make porridge and flour.
Valentina amaranth leaves can be used both raw and thermally processed. They are added to salads and other dishes. They can be stewed and fried. Fresh and dried leaves make a delicious tea with a beautiful raspberry hue.
Advantages and disadvantages
Amaranth Valentina is an easy-to-care plant. However, for best growth it is necessary to provide sufficient light.
The variety is suitable for cultivation almost throughout the country
Advantages:
- high decorativeness of the plant;
- composition rich in useful components;
- high yield rates;
- versatility of use;
- ease of cultivation;
- early flowering and ripening.
Flaws:
- the need to maintain temperature conditions.
Growing amaranth vegetable Valentina
Vegetable amaranth variety Valentina is not difficult to grow. Even a person who has no experience in this matter can handle it.To plant vegetable amaranth, you should choose light and nutritious soils with a small admixture of lime. There should be no groundwater nearby. If the soil is too wet, a drainage layer will need to be laid. The place should be well lit and protected from drafts. It is advisable that the plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
When and how to plant vegetable amaranth Valentina
There are two ways to plant Valentina amaranth: through seedlings, directly into open ground. In the first case, it is necessary to plant the seeds in mid-April or early May. Planting should be done towards the end of May. The weather should be consistently warm. It is important that the earth has time to warm up to at least +10 OWITH.
When growing seedlings, seeds must be planted in containers. They should be kept in a dark and warm place under film, watered periodically. After the seedlings emerge, they need to be transferred to light. After the formation of the second leaf, the seedlings need to be transplanted into separate containers. Seedlings should be planted in a permanent place in early June.
The process of planting seeds directly into open ground includes the following steps:
- Dig up the soil and moisten it thoroughly.
- Make rows, leaving a distance of 50-70 cm between them.
- Place seeds in them and cover with soil.
The first shoots should appear in about seven days.
When growing for greens, the distance between rows should be 10-15 cm
Caring for amaranth Valentina
Caring for Valentina amaranth is not difficult. However, special attention should be paid to the first month of growing the plant. During this period, seedlings require active watering.After each moistening of the soil, the soil must be loosened. It is necessary to get rid of weeds in a timely manner. At this time, you can add organic fertilizer.
Further care of the plantings is not particularly difficult. It is worth watering the soil as needed. In addition, it is worth making sure that the plantings are not overgrown with weeds.
You can mulch the ground around the plants. Shredded tree bark and sawdust are good for this. Such measures will prevent the active growth of weeds, and moisture will remain in the soil longer. This will help reduce the amount of weeding and watering.
Vegetable Amaranth variety Valentina does not require additional feeding. It is enough to fertilize the soil once before planting the plant in open ground. Complex mineral supplements are best suited for this.
If all care recommendations are followed and favorable conditions are created for growing vegetable amaranth, it will delight you with high yields. So from 1 m2 plantings you can collect up to 4 kg of greenery.
Vegetable amaranth has good resistance to various diseases and pests. To prevent damage, care instructions must be followed. For treatment, you can use folk remedies or special chemicals. For prevention, you can spray with a solution of fungicidal preparations.
Conclusion
Vegetable amaranth Valentina is a wonderful plant that will not only decorate the site, but also bring practical benefits. Thanks to its rich composition, it will help improve immunity and have a beneficial effect on health.
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