Amaranthus cruentus Hot Biscuits flower seeds
The cruentus is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated as a grain source. Although Hot Biscuits is more likely selected to be used as a “cut flower” or bouquet filler for its fantastic color! Amaranthus is very easy to grow and you can harvest loads of stems throughout the summer. At the end of summer, the more mature stems become more soft caramel brown as you can see in the last picture.

Planting information to grow Amaranthus Hot Biscuits from seed:
Plant type: half-hardy annual
Height: 100-120 cm
Position: full sun
Start: 4 weeks before the last frost or after
Number of days until plants bloom: 70-80
Distance between the plants: 30-40 cm
Pinching: yes, 30 cm
Germination: 10-20 days at 20-22°C
Number of seeds per pack: 250

How to grow Amaranthus Hot Biscuits from seed
Growing amaranthus from seed is not difficult. We sow the seeds a few weeks before the last expected frost date. We either geminate them at home or on a heat mat. When the seedlings have emerged and the weather is not too cold we bring seedlings to the greenhouse. If the nights are cold we add a layer of fleece over the plants. As soon as the last expected frost date has passed we plant out the young plants 30 to 50 cm apart. You can also direct sow the seeds after the last frost date. If you grow them for your personal cutting garden you can plant them closer than when you like to grow them as ornamental garden plants.
Plants grow best in rich soil. We grow them on no-dig beds and add 2,5 cm compost every year (Charles Dowding method). The plants get tall and may require some support.