Amaranth
Emerald Tassels Amaranth is a striking ornamental variety of Amaranthus caudatus that transforms from lime green to sophisticated buff tan as it matures, producing trailing tassels that can stretch up to 2 feet in length. Hardy across zones 2 to 11, this productive plant thrives in full sun and reaches 60 inches tall with a compact 18-inch spread, making it surprisingly versatile for both garden beds and cutting arrangements. Ready to harvest in just 70 days, it rewards direct sowing in spring with an abundance of side shoots and exceptional tassel production, especially in well-drained soil.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
60in H x 18in W
Annual
High
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The color transformation alone makes this amaranth worth growing: young plants glow with fresh lime green energy, then mature into warm buff tan tones that photograph beautifully and dry exceptionally well for arrangements. Its trailing tassels can extend up to 2 feet, creating dramatic vertical lines or cascading effects that standard upright amaranths simply cannot match. The plant's productivity is remarkable, constantly generating side shoots throughout the season, meaning a single planting supplies cut flowers for weeks on end.
Emerald Tassels Amaranth shines as a cut flower, both fresh and dried. The long, drooping tassels make stunning additions to bouquets, and the variety's color progression from green to buff tan extends its visual interest throughout the display. Gardeners who grow this variety specifically for cutting arrangements find that the abundant side shoots provide continuous harvests, making it economical for those seeking substantial flower material from a single planting.
Direct sow in spring after the threat of frost has passed in a sunny, well-drained location. Press seeds into soil or sow at shallow depth in prepared beds.
Harvest tassels once they have fully emerged and developed their characteristic trailing form, typically around 70 days after sowing. For cut flowers, select tassels that have matured from the initial lime green stage toward buff tan coloring, as these hold their color longer in arrangements. Cut stems with a clean knife or pruners early in the morning, leaving the plant with plenty of foliage to continue producing side shoots throughout the season.
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