Love Lies Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) Seeds
Love Lies Bleeding, also known as Amaranthus caudatus, is a striking annual flowering plant. It features long, drooping tassels of flowers that can reach up to 90 cm in length. The flowers are typically red, but can also be found in shades of black and white. This plant is not only visually appealing but also has historical significance as a food source.All Payments due at the time of ordering, Thank you.
Once cultivated in Victorian English gardens, this unique annual produces long, red tassels. In the floral language, it symbolizes unrequited love. It is actually a beautiful type of grain from the amaranth family. To learn when to plant Love Lies Bleeding seeds, check our growing guide.
As an ornamental flower, Love-Lies-Bleeding plant seeds were popular in many Victorian English gardens; in the floral language, it signifies hopeless love. Besides its beautiful blooms, Love-Lies-Bleeding is a type of grain-producing plant known as amaranth. This grain was a staple for the Aztecs and Incas, who called it the "golden grain of the gods" and used it in their religious ceremonies. The plant nearly vanished when the Spanish Conquistadors deemed the religious practices barbaric, making the cultivation of amaranth a capital crime. Nowadays, both the leaves and seeds of amaranth serve as a vital food source in various regions around the globe. This exceptional grain is packed with vitamins and minerals and is also very high in protein.
Common Names: Tassel Flower, Velvet Flower, Pendant Amaranth, Foxtail Amaranth, Quilete
Latin Name: Amaranthus caudatus
Species Origin: Africa, India, Peru
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 50,000
Seeds/lb. 680,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Plant Height: 36-60"
Plant Spacing: 18 - 36"
Color: Red
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers
Sowing: Plant Love-Lies-Bleeding seeds directly in the ground when the soil temperature hits 70 degrees. Once seedlings emerge, space them 18-24" apart to accommodate their height. You can also start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting; just sow them slightly below the surface in a flat and maintain consistent temperature and moisture until they germinate. Transplant them as soon as they can be handled safely.
Growing: Keep young seedlings moist until they are established. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can withstand drought and poor soil but does not grow well in shade. Once mature, only water during prolonged dry spells, as they prefer dry conditions and excess moisture can lead to damage and disease. Each plant can produce about 100,000 seeds, making them potentially invasive if allowed to seed. However, volunteer plants have shallow roots and are easy to remove. This plant attracts butterflies and bees, making it a great choice for containers and hanging baskets.
Harvesting: You can harvest fresh leaves at any time, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals, and use them like spinach. Seeds can be collected when the tassels dry slightly and change color; strip them from the stem into a container and winnow to get rid of the chaff. For fresh cut flowers, cut the stems when most tiny buds on the tassels have opened; they will last 7-10 days in a vase. For dried flowers, cut the stems and hang them upside down in a warm, dark area for at least 10 days. The flowers will turn bronze when dried.
Seed Saving: The flower tassels will dry and change color when the seeds are ripe. Love-Lies-Bleeding seeds can vary in color but are typically pinkish-red. Strip the mature seeds from the stems and winnow to remove the chaff. Store Amaranthus Caudatus seeds in a cool, dry location.
