Amaranth ‘Elephant Head ‘

Description

(Amaranthus gangeticus) Annual
Huge dark burgundy red plumes look as if an elephant is raising its trunk into the air. Long blooming spectacular plant that grows 3- 5′, (152 cm) grabbing attention in the garden. It is also an excellent cut flower, the larger branches can be cut into smaller ones if desired. Absolutely stunning food plant! Seeds are edible and can be popped. Flower heads appear in late summer, producing approx. 50,000 seeds that are used like a cereal grain, milled into a gluten-free flour or cooked whole and eaten in place of rice and oatmeal. The leaves can be used as a cooked green.

“In India stems are eaten; leaves boiled in water and mixed with salt and chili powder.” An anti-famine plant.

Plant outside on surface, lightly press into soil.  Width 24-36” (90 cm)  Height 5′, (152 cm) Full sun  Average to rich, well drained soil. Approximate days to flower from seed: 70-90 days

The genus name Amaranthus is derived from amarantos, a Greek word that means unfading. This is referring to the long life of the flowers.

200 seeds approx