Love Lies Bleeding

Growing Conditions 

Sunlight:

• Full sun 4-6 hours daily. 

Soil: 

• Well-draining, loamy soil.
• Avoid waterlogged conditions. 

 pH:

• 6.0–7.5 (tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils). 
• Amend with compost for fertility. 

3. Temperature: 

• Germination: 18–24°C. 
• Mature plants tolerate heat and light frosts. 

 Starting from Seed 

Timing: 

• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before last frost. 
• Direct Sow: After last frost, when soil reaches 18°C. 

Sowing Method: 

• Surface-sow seeds (light aids germination). 
• Press seeds lightly into soil; cover with ⅛” soil. 
• Keep moist until germination (7–14 days). 

Transplanting: 

• Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days. 
• Space 50cm apart to accommodate mature size. 

Pinching Out:

• Pinching out the centre stem will encourage side branching.

Plant Care 

Watering: 

• Regular watering until established; drought-tolerant afterward. 
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. 

Fertilizing: 

• Apply balanced fertilizer at planting. 
• Avoid excess nitrogen (promotes foliage over flowers). 

Mulching:

• Use straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 

Support:

• Stake if grown in windy areas. 

Pests & Diseases 

Common Pests:

• Aphids, flea beetles, leaf miners. 
• Solutions: Spray with neem oil; introduce ladybugs. 

Diseases:

• Root rot, avoid overwatering,
• Powdery mildew, space plants for airflow; water at the base. 

 Harvesting 

Flowers:

• Cut stems when blooms are vibrant for use in fresh/dried arrangements. 

Seeds: 

• Harvest when flower heads dry and seeds rattle. 
• Rub heads over a container to collect seeds. 

Leaves:

• Pick young leaves for salads or cooking. 

 Companion Planting Guide 

Best Companions: 

• Corn: Tall structure provides wind protection; amaranth attracts pollinators. 
• Beans: Fix nitrogen in soil, benefiting amaranth. 
• Basil: Repels aphids and improves flavour of nearby plants. 
• Nasturtiums: Trap crop for aphids; deter beetles. 
• Marigolds: Repel nematodes and soil pests. 
• Lettuce/Spinach: Grow in partial shade of amaranth to delay bolting. 

Avoid Planting With: 

• Potatoes: Compete for nutrients. 
• Celery/Fennel: Susceptible to similar pests. 

 Special Tips 

Self-Seeding:

• Allow flowers to drop seeds for volunteers next year (control by deadheading if unwanted). 

Edible Use:

• Young leaves taste like spinach; seeds are protein-rich (cook like quinoa). 

Aesthetic Use:

• Dry flowers upside-down in a dark, airy space for long-lasting decor.