Amaranthus cruentus Velvet Curtains (Amaranth) seeds

Exotic and dramatic annual plant with spikes of deep red tasselled flowers above reddish purple, tropical looking leaves.

Brilliant for adding a touch of drama amongst the green in the border and perfect for both dried and cut flowers,

Very easy to grow, the seeds can be sown indoors from February and outdoors in their flowering position from May.

RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner

Half Hardy Annual
Height: 90-120m, Spread: 90-120cm
Flowers: July to September
Position: Sun in well drained soil, sheltered from strong winds

Packet of 250 seeds

RHS Award of Garden Merit

This plant/cultivar has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit because it has proved to be reliable in appropriate conditions and a good performing plant. For more information on RHS award of Garden Merit plants visit rhs.org.uk/plants

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing: 

Indoors: Sow from February to May on the surface of moist, good quality seed compost and cover with a very fine layer of sieved compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or other warm place and maintain a temperature of 19-23C.  Reducing the temperature at night will help germination which should occur in 10-20 days.  

Outdoors: Sow from May onwards in finely raked soil and keep watered in dry weather. 

Growing: When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up indoor grown seedlings into small pots (7-9cm) and grow on in cooler conditions in plenty of light but shaded from direct sunlight.  When the plants are large enough, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out in a sunny spot in well drained soil.

Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushiness and keep well watered.  Plants may need some support in strong winds.