There are, however, many popular cultivars within those dozen.
The two purposes of growing amaranth are not mutually exclusive.
It can be grown as an annual in as low as inzone 2 (USA).
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However, in cool climates, summers are too short for amaranth seeds to reach full maturity.
The ten popular Amaranthus plants outlined below are all cultivars of the above species.
Amaranthus caudatus Coral Fountain
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The wooly flowers cascade down like a waterfall.
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AnheirloomAmaranthus variety, it blooms from mid- to-late summer until the first frost.
It is a favorite for bouquets.
The seeds and leaves are edible.
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Amaranthus caudatus Dreadlocks
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This is one of the shorter amaranth varieties.
It has sturdy stems.
From late summer to fall, it displays eye-catching knotted flower clusters.
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It makes a good cut flower.
The plantattracts songbirdsthat feed on the seeds.
Amaranthus cruentus Copperhead
The large, feathery flowerheads start to appear on this early-maturing variety in mid-summer.
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Its unusual color makes it a favorite forcut flowersand bouquets.
Both the young leaves and the seeds are edible.
It blooms from summer to fall.
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Both the young leaves and the seeds are edible.
The seeds are edible.
It blooms all summer long and makes good cut flowers.
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It blooms from summer to fall and makes an attractive cut flower or one fordry arrangements.
This variety has a narrow growth habit and it looks best in mass plantings.
Warning
The undesirable amaranth species are also known as pigweed.
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These weeds can get very tall and have a deep taproot.
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Amaranthus hypochondriacusErica Gomez / Getty Images
Amaranthus tricolor ‘Perfecta’Karin de Mamiel / Getty Images
