‘Purple Leaves’ (Leaf Amaranth)

Ref: AMAR_AM_BLIT_001

Common Name: Amaranth / Αmarante / Βλύτα

Scientific Name: Amaranthus blitum

Plant’s cycle: Annual

Light Requirement: Full Sun, it cannot grow in the shade.

Soil type: all soil types, well-drained.

Sowing in nursery: in April

Direct Planting: Mid May to beginning June

Germination: 3–5 days after sowing

Harvest: 28 days

Spacing: 15cm/20cm/1cm deep  

Flowers are Monoecious, (flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant)

Pollination: cross pollinated by wind

Plant is Self-Fertile

Seed preservation: 10 years

Edible Parts: Leaves and seeds.

Other Uses: Dye

Medicine: Astringent. Also very rich in Vitamins A & C, rich in vitamin B1. The leaves are used as a potherb in order to remove poison from the system.

Known Hazards: When grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.