Amaranthus blitum ( Livid Amaranth )

Dense clusters of green flowers and oval leaves on erect annual weed. Long petioles. Grows in lawns, pastures, and gardens. Weed common to the southeastern United States. Seed reproduction. Edible.


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Characteristics

Cultivar: n/a  
Family: Amaranthaceae  
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 2.67 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.  
Plant Category: annuals and biennials, edibles,  
Plant Characteristics: low maintenance, seed start, spreading,  
Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves,  
Flower Characteristics:  
Flower Color: greens,  
Tolerances:  


Requirements


Bloomtime Range: Mid Summer to Early Fall  
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10  
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant  
Light Range: Shade to Sun  
pH Range: Not defined for this plant  
Soil Range: Some Sand to Clay Loam  
Water Range: Normal to Moist  





Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

Conditions : Full Sun

Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.

Watering

Planting

Problems

Pest : Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and they may have wings. They attack a wide range of plant species causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds. They can transmit harmful plant viruses with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance, since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. However aphids do produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface growth called sooty mold.

Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes - spring & fall. They're often massed at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitchhike on yellow clothing.

Prevention and Control: Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable plants. On edibles, wash off infected area of plant. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all label procedures to a tee.

Fungi : Leaf Spots

Leaf spots are caused by fungi or bacteria. Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular, with a water soaked or yellow-edged appearance. Insects, rain, dirty garden tools, or even people can help its spread.

Prevention and Control: Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry. Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible; water should be directed at soil level. For fungal leaf spots, use a recommended fungicide according to label directions.



Weeds : Preventing Weeds and Grass

Weeds rob your plants of water, nutrients and light. They can harbor pests and diseases. Before planting, remove weeds either by hand or by spraying an herbicide according to label directions. Another alternative is to lay plastic over the area for a couple of months to kill grass and weeds.

You may apply a pre-emergent herbicide prior to planting, but be sure that it is labeled for the plants you are wishing to grow. Existing beds may be spot sprayed with a nonselective herbicide, but be careful to shield those plants you do not want to kill. Non-selective means that it will kill everything it comes in contact with.

Mulch plants with a 3 inch layer of pinestraw, pulverized bark, or compost. Mulch conserves moisture, keeps weeds down, and makes it easier to pull when necessary.

Porous landscape or open weave fabric works too, allowing air and water to be exchanged.

Miscellaneous

Glossary : Annual

An annual is any plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.

Glossary : Edibles

An edible is a plant that has a part or all of it that can be safely consumed in some way.

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