Cinco De Mayo

ANNUAL Summer/fall color Frost tender EASY TO START OUTDOORS Sow seeds in full sun in ordinary well-worked garden soil in springtime once night temperatures reach 50°F (10°C). Space tiny seeds as thinly as possible. Cover very lightly with soil and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. TO START EARLY INDOORS Five to six weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in individual pots or a container of seed starting mix, cover lightly and keep moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside once danger of frost is over. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before transplanting. THIN OR TRANSPLANT Final seedling spacing should be 12-18 inches apart, so they have room to grow and mature. GROWING NOTES Plants explode with sky rocket colors when they come to maturity in late summer. These easy to grow, dramatic foliage Amaranths prefer a warm, dry location in good garden soil. When established, the tall bushy plants can tolerate drought and need no extra fertilizer, but must have good drainage. For better branching, pinch the main bud when plants are about 18 inches tall.