Amaranthus caudatus

‘Emerald Tassels’

EMERALD TASSELS AMARANTH

BULK FLOWER FARMERS PACK

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’
EMERALD TASSELS AMARANTH
BULK FLOWER FARMERS PACK

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’ is outstanding in the wonderful world of Amaranths for its unusual green plumes.

Unusual green feathery plumes

The plumes of ‘Emerald Tassels’ are exceptional.
Firstly because of their unusual chartreuse-green colouring (so handy for floral work and garden contrast).

Super long trusses

And secondly for their length and substance – Each plume grows to a spectacular 80cm. long approx.
They really are breathtakingly beautiful flower trusses.

Amaranth is a super-food (& very decorative in the veggie patch)

Amaranth has long been grown as a nutritious seed and vegetable crop, and is still a very popular product on the shelves of health food stores.
Both the seed is harvested for edible grain and the foliage as edible leafy greens.

Super productive edible

So Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’ is a particularly productive edible Amaranth, because of the spectacular size and length of its flower plumes.
Which of course all turn into productive, edible seed heads.

Super productive floristry flower

Unless harvested first for florist’s flowers.

Spectacular plumes in the flower garden too

But ‘Emerald Tassel’ plants are just as spectacular in the decorative flower garden as they are yummy in the edible garden, and spectacular in the vase too.

Cascading fountains of flowers

They provide cascading fountains of chartreuse-green, dangling down some 80cm. on a plant 90cm-1.4m high.

On a dramatic background plant

Making a big statement – tall, statuesque, and dramatic in late summer and autumn, when many other flowers have already faded.

Superb cut flowers of fashionable green

So the fountains of plumes give great texture and shape in a vase, and last so well as cut flowers.
They also dry well for use in long term arrangements.
So for preserving – hang them upside down in a dry place with no direct sunlight so they retain the green colours for many months.

Healthy source of calcium and protein for vegans & gluten intolerant

However it is the abundant seed heads that are the culinary prize, especially for vegans, vegetarians and the gluten-intolerant.
Harvested grain has a nutty flavour and is a rich source of calcium and plant protein.
With approximately 30% more protein content than wheat, rice, rye and oats.
Amaranth flour and grain is also used in the production of gluten-free bread, porridge, muesli and popcorn.

Tall & impressive garden plants

Seedlings of Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’ rapidly grow into strong branching heads of draping plumes up to 80cm. long on a plant 90cm.-1.4m high.
What a garden spectacle and background.

Unfussy to grow

Amaranthus caudatus enjoys Full Sun.

Not fussy about soil

and is not fussy about soil type, adapting well to even poorer, less fertile soils, and clay based soil.

Water-wise

Amaranthus are not water-guzzlers, though adequate, regular watering keeps them growing tall, strong and productive – so treat them like your veggies.

Stout strong plants

The stems are very stout and strong – so they do not usually need staking unless they are in very windy sites.

Amaranthus adore heat

Amaranthus caudatus can tolerate either hot, humid / or hot, dry climates, as it originates from Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.
So it adores heat, and tropical or subtropical conditions.
And is believed to have been part of South American cuisine for over 6,000 years.

Quick & easy from seed to flower

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’ takes approximately 80 days from sowing the seeds to blooming. Though you can begin harvesting the leaves for cooking in about 45 days.

Self seeds for next year

You can also leave a few plumes unharvested to go to seed at the end of the season – then your ‘Emerald Tassels’ will sow new plants for next year all by themselves.

Harvesting flowers for commercial floristry

For use as fresh flowers – cut plumes when 3/4 of the flowers are open and still soft.
They have a vase life of approximately 10 days.
For use as dried flowers – leave plumes on the plants a little longer – cut when seeds begin to form and the flowers are firm. Hang in a dry, warm place for approx. 10 days. Then they hold their colour, texture and shape for many months.

Harvesting grain for cooking

Leave the plumes on the plants until autumn when seeds form.
Place a bucket under the heads and gently shake and stroke.
The ripe seeds will fall easily into the bucket, then come back next week to harvest again.
Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’ produces copious amounts of grain which can be stored in glass containers in the pantry (or any cool, dry place out of the sun) for future use.
Delicious.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Very suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Emerald Tassels’ can be very successfully sown direct into the garden in spring and early summer.
But you need to wait until day and night temperatures are quite warm to sow them outdoors, as the seeds love heat to germinate.
OR
‘Emerald Tassels’ can be started very quickly from seed indoors, for a flying start for early and quick flower heads.
But do prick the seedlings out quickly from their punnet, as they rapidly develop a long, strong root system. So they are great to do in Jiffy pots – then they don’t need to be disturbed when yu plant them out.

Sow indoors for quick & early plants: First sow the seed in a punnet on surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently press the seeds onto the surface of the mix, to ensure good contact.

Now cover the seeds only very lightly, as these seeds need light for germination.
And you can use sieved mix, or fine grit, or vermiculite, or washed sand to sprinkle over the seeds.

Then place the sown punnet into a shallow water bath and allow the moisture to percolate up through the mix from the bottom to the surface.

And place the moist punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sun).

Amaranth love warmth to sprout

Temperatures of 17-22°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
And do use a temperature-controlled heat mat if you have one, to keep the heat up and encourage rapid germination.
A warm window-sill or well-lit corner is also fine once temperatures are warm enough.

Continue to keep the punnet moist by spraying the surface of the mix with a fine spray water bottle as required.
Adding a clear plastic cover or plastic bag helps to retain necessary consistent moisture in the punnet between mistings.

Seedlings begin to emerge in approx. 10-14 days.

Seed Count BULK FLOWER FARMERS PACK: 250 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

A little plant history

The botanical name of “Amaranthus” comes from ancient Greek, and means “does not wither” – very appropriate.
Amaranthus have been used as a crop for thousands of years – so of course it has acquired a long list of affectionate common names, including Kiss-Me-Over-The-Garden-Gate; Prince’s Feathers; Foxtails; Tassel Flowers; Inca Wheat and Chinese Spinach – all well named.

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