Amaranth, Hopi Red Dye Seed - Amaranthus cruentus x A. powellii
 
Description and Uses: A beautiful ornamental herb with rich maroon colored leaves and long cascading flower bracts. The aerial parts of Hopi-Red-Dye Amaranth produce a beautiful red dye. The seeds are edible and nutritious and can replace poppy seeds in recipes. A simple way to collect the seeds is to hang the flower stalks upside down over a sheet. As the seeds after ripen, they can easily be shaken out onto the sheet to collect. I like to use Hopi Red Dye flowers as a bright addition to autumn floral arrangements. Flowers can be dried and used as an everlasting craft as well. Amaranth is also a food source for birds, making it a very versatile herb to grow.
 
Seed Germinating Tips: Plant outdoors in spring after danger of frost, or indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Barely cover with fine soil, pressing firmly. Be sure to keep moist or cover with clear plastic to retain moisture. Amaranth tends to self sow.