Content
The description of the amaranth plant and the history of its appearance suggests that it is more than 5000 years old. Today, over 60 varieties of this crop are known, which have spread to many countries and have become a full-fledged part of the flora. The plant prefers a warm climate and bright sun, but there are varieties - decorative, food and fodder - that are suitable for planting in cold Russia.
Description of width with photo
Amaranth is a perennial or annual plant ranging in size from 40 cm to 3 m in height. The Amaranth family has many varieties, but only 15% of this number can take root in a temperate climate.
Not every variety tolerates the presence of neighbors.Too dense planting can lead to the withering of crops, while the amaranth itself will remain intact (unless the competitor is a weed). It is advisable that the site be located behind a fence - the fence serves as a shelter from drafts.
Dwarf species are more suitable for planting hedges. They look great near houses, fences, paths, verandas. You need to understand that the growth rate in this case will be reduced, since several plants will compete for nutrients at once.
What does an amaranth plant look like?
Amaranth has erect shoots, they grow straight upward, and can be small (dwarf varieties) or large (tall types). The color of the leaves varies: for example, some plants are completely red, while others are more green. The difference lies in the number of tones.
The leaves grow alternately on the stems and may be egg-shaped or diamond-shaped
The plates are wide at the beginning and narrow at the end. Length is up to 20 cm.
How amaranth blooms
With the onset of the growing season, all varieties of amaranth are covered with dense inflorescences. There are so many of them that the stems begin to droop under the weight of the ears.
The flowers of the plant can be red, crimson, green, burgundy
After flowering stops, amaranth forms fruits - boxes. They are dotted with channels, and each contains up to several dozen seeds.
Where does amaranth grass grow?
Over thousands of years of evolution, the plant managed to spread across the globe. Scientists suggest that its homeland is Mexico. It was there that, based on some finds, it was possible to establish that the plant is more than 5 thousand years old.It was probably used by the ancient Aztecs and Incas.
When Spanish soldiers captured the Indian territories, the cultivation of amaranth was vetoed. This was connected with religion: the aborigines not only cultivated the plant, it was an attribute of ritual rites.
Despite the strict ban, amaranth was able to migrate to Europe. For a long time there was no interest in the plant, and only in the 20th century, due to an increase in population, farmers again paid attention to it. This was also prompted by the development of science and the then emerging secular thinking.
The scientist N.I. Vavilov showed interest in growing amaranth in Russia. However, the idea died with him, not being picked up by other botanists. The situation has changed in recent decades, when breeders began to grow the plant for decorative purposes. More people are interested in amaranth and are surprised to learn that the crop can be eaten.
Today, amaranth is grown in almost every state of America, in many European countries, China, Africa, and India.
Large fields sown with plant seeds can be found in Crimea and Kazakhstan. In the Russian Federation, more and more people learn about amaranth every year, but in this country it is only gaining popularity.
Types and best varieties of amaranth
Experts divide the plant into categories according to its operational characteristics. Each variety of amaranth has its own unique characteristics, and a category can include from a few specimens to dozens of varieties.
Stern
This category is relevant among farmers and small farm owners. Fodder amaranth has large shoots that animals love to feast on. The roots and flowers are also not far behind in size. In the agricultural industry, the plant is used as an additive to the main feed.
Amaranth varieties that are suitable for food for pigs and cattle:
- Giant;
The variety can reach up to 1.9 m in height
- Aztec;
The annual grows about 80 cm in height
- Amber.
Stems of the Yantar variety can stretch up to 2 m
The listed plants contain oil that can be used in cooking.
Amaranth seeds are especially valuable
Vegetable
Vegetable varieties are already consumed by humans. Both seeds and stems with leaves are very nutritious. You can cook porridge from them, brew tea, and more often the shoots are added to soups and salads.
One leaf contains up to 20% protein, so eating this vegetable is extremely beneficial for athletes.
Most varieties are cultivated as annuals and propagated by seeds. You can plant when warming up to +10 °C. Amaranth grows well in Siberia, the Urals, and the Moscow region. Among the most popular:
- White Leaf;
White Leaf is considered a dwarf variety
- Sturdy;
Erect shoots of the Krepysh variety can stretch up to 1.4 m
- Valentina.
Valentina is distinguished by its rapid growth rate and unusual leaf color.
Grain
Shoots of grain varieties are not used or are used only in extreme cases - if the animals have no other food.
Amaranth is grown for harvesting grain, from which flour, oil and cereals are produced.
The grains of the plant contain a lot of fat, which makes cooked foods very high in calories. Grain varieties are the most valuable in agricultural practice. However, the use of amaranth is not limited to this industry.
The seeds are used in cooking, medicine and cosmetics. Small farms prosper thanks to grain plants. Animals are replaced with grains to replace their usual food for health purposes. Best varieties:
- Kharkovsky;
The variety is distinguished by its gigantic size - in suitable conditions its shoots stretch up to 3 m
- Helios;
The growing season of the crop is 120 days
- Ultra.
The Ultra variety is especially valued for its high yield
Decorative
Although in the previous categories there are many varieties with bright flowering, they are far from decorative amaranth.
Plants are bred specifically for this purpose and can peacefully coexist with flowers without entering into competition.
Both monotonous and colorful crops are valued in the landscape. The following subspecies are known in Russia: dark, tricolor, paniculate. The names refer to key plant characteristics.
Features of cultivation
Amaranth is compared to a weed because its cultivation requires minimal conditions. The exception is decorative varieties. They are raised in captivity and cannot live without supervision. To ensure that the inflorescences are lush, attention is paid to young plantings. In the first month the plant is most vulnerable.
The annual plant has a weak root system, which can crawl out of the ground when planted superficially. As the roots appear, they are dug in, and in cold areas they are also mulched.In the case of single plantings, cultivation is easier. Amaranth is not very demanding; it can grow even in poor soil.
If it is possible to use fertilizing, it should be used. The substrate in which amaranth grows should be:
- light;
- neutral in acidity;
- drained;
- fertile;
- slightly moistened.
Watering is carried out as the soil dries out.
Diseases and pests
Amaranth would not have survived to this day if he had a weak immune system. But it’s not worth betting on it alone. To prevent diseases, experts advise using prophylactic agents, for example, Fitosporin. If the frequent use of chemicals does not suit the owner, you can limit yourself to traditional solutions - soap, garlic, onion.
Massive attacks on amaranth by insects are known. Among them, the two worst are aphids and weevils. Aphids become active in the first month of life, and weevils can harm the plant at any time. Actellik and Karbofos work with both.
Photo of amaranth in landscape design
The plant is often used as “wall decoration”
The main landscape use of flowers is planting in flower beds
The presence of a plant helps to emphasize selected areas
Hedges are popular among summer residents, while designers prefer solitaire plantings
Do not forget that amaranth can be light - golden tones are suitable for growing near facade fences
Conclusion
The description of the amaranth plant is ambiguous, as there are dozens of varieties with unique traits. Some varieties are monotonous, others are multi-colored, some are red, others are green, some are fodder, others are decorative - the list goes on for a long time. The main advantage of culture is unpretentiousness.
