Love Lies Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatus
Overview:
Amaranthus caudatus (Love Lies Bleeding)
Bloom peaks in May - June
Annual Plant
Grows to be up to 2 to 5 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide
Difficulty Codes:
Seed Harvesting: Blue (Easy)
Growing: Black (Moderately easy)
Planting Instructions:
Suggested to plant in a large area (need 18-24 inches), but can be potted
If soiling, plant at least a quarter inches deep.
Full sun to part shade
Moist, average, well-drained, or poor
Plant will adapt to any soil, just stay consistent
Keep soil acidic or neutral
Is at peak bloom in May - June
60 days to bloom
Water Requirements:
Seeds required balanced moisture levels
Once seeds are actively growing watering can be less consistent
Adult plant needs little attention
History:
Native to Andes region of South America
Used for food, medicine, and ceremonial purposes by Aztecs and Incas
Health benefits:
Provides fibers, proteins, and minerals when consumed
Leaves, stems, and seeds can be eaten
Recipes:
Sopa de Quinua con Sancayo (Quinua soup with sancayo)
Facts:
The Love Lies Bleeding flower gets its name from its long, drooping seed heads that resemble blood dripping from a wound.
The seeds of the Love Lies Bleeding flower were used by the Aztecs and Incas to make a ceremonial drink called "chalchiuhtli," which was believed to have spiritual and medicinal properties.
This plant is known for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
References:
"The Spruce - Love Lies Bleeding Amaranthus Guide." The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2021, www.thespruce.com/love-lies-bleeding-amaranthus-guide-5190287.
Old Farmer's Almanac. (n.d.). Love Lies Bleeding. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/love-lies-bleeding
Larkman Nurseries. (n.d.). Amaranthus Caudatus Love Lies Bleeding. Retrieved from https://www.larkmannurseries.co.uk/product/amaranthus-caudatus-love-lies-bleeding
Health Benefits Times. (n.d.). Amaranth (Love-Lies-Bleeding) health benefits. Retrieved from https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/amaranth-love-lies-bleeding/
Gardening Know How. (n.d.). Love-Lies-Bleeding Plant Info: Tips For Growing Love-Lies-Bleeding Amaranth. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/love-lies-bleeding/growing-love-lies-bleeding-plants.htm
The Spice Journal. (2021). Love-Lies-Bleeding: A Beautiful Flower With Awe-Inspiring Uses. Retrieved from https://www.thespicejournal.com/love-lies-bleeding-uses/
USDA Planting Zone scale
