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Magnificent plant #271587

Asked August 20, 2015, 11:55 AM EDT

what plant is this? The burgundy tops are about 2feet long. This was in new London, CT

New Haven County Connecticut

Expert Response

Hi,

It's an amaranthus - maybe 'Red Torch'. It is an annual grown for its ornamental seed heads but in many parts of the world this plant is used for grain.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 20, 2015, 12:41 PM EDT
Thank you so much. Is it an annual? In what zones does it do best? Do you know where I can get seeds? Any growing tips? 
The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2015, 8:25 PM EDT

Hi,

It is an annual that is killed by heavy frost so probably hardy to zone 7 or 8.

You can probably purchase seeds from Park. See link.

http://parkseed.com/towers-red-amaranthus-seeds/p/02498-PK-P1/

Pretty easy to grow although I might start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date (Around the beginning of April). Needs full sun. Drought tolerant once established.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 20, 2015, 9:58 PM EDT

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