‘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.