Amaranthus hybridus ( Smooth Pigweed )

Sharp tipped, oval leaves and long petioules on tall, erect annual weed. Hairy stems. Grows in moist areas and fields. Weed common to the most of the United States. Seed reproduction.

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Characteristics

Cultivar: n/a
Family: Amaranthaceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0.83 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Plant Category: annuals and biennials,
Plant Characteristics: seed start,
Foliage Characteristics:
Flower Characteristics:
Flower Color:
Tolerances: drought,

Requirements

Bloomtime Range: Mid Summer to Early Fall
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Any
pH Range: Not defined for this plant
Soil Range: Sandy Loam 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

Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants

Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.

Planting

Problems

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 : Seed Start

Seed Start: easily propagated from seed.