Amaranthus

Amaranths or Amaranthus, annuals with a unique appearance, are also known as Fox Tails. From June to October, they develop trailing spike inflorescences, ranging from 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20in) in length, in shades of red, pink, orange, or yellow. Vigorous and well-branched, they form a generous bushy clump with alternate, ovate, light green foliage. These easy-to-grow plants thrive in deep, well-drained soils enriched with compost and prefer a sunny, even hot, location. Water generously in the evening during summer and apply a liquid flower fertiliser every 15 days. The most well-known variety, Amaranthus caudatus, the green Amaranth or sacred plant of the Incas, is delicious to consume in the form of flour (rich in iron, gluten-free).