Red Plume Atriplex is a compact, open-pollinated vegetable from the amaranth family that reaches 60, 72 inches tall and produces vibrant foliage prized as a productive filler for fresh arrangements and kitchen gardens. Sown directly after the last frost or started indoors 4, 6 weeks before, it reaches harvest readiness in 75, 110 days, offering flexibility for gardeners across multiple zones. The shimmering red plumes mature into seed pods that can be harvested fresh or dried, making this a dual-purpose plant for both visual appeal and culinary use.
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Moderate
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72in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Red Plume Atriplex commands attention with its luminous red seed pods that catch light and add texture to any garden composition. The compact growth habit means it fits neatly into borders and containers without overwhelming adjacent plantings, while the productive nature of the variety ensures consistent harvests throughout the season. Frost tolerance extends your growing window, and the ability to hang-dry mature seed pods means you can preserve the harvest well into winter.
Red Plume Atriplex serves dual roles in the garden and kitchen. The fresh stems and emerging plumes work beautifully in floral arrangements, where their shimmering quality and rich red color create striking focal points. The mature seed pods can be harvested and dried for long-lasting dried arrangements, or harvested fresh for culinary use.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 4, 6 weeks before your last frost date. Maintain soil temperature between 50, 70 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off, once soil has warmed and all frost danger has passed.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, spacing them 10 inches apart in full sun. Choose a location with well-draining soil adjusted to pH 6.0, 7.5. Water gently after transplanting to settle soil around the roots.
Direct seed after the last frost date into prepared soil. Space seeds 10 inches apart and keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs. Thin seedlings if needed to maintain 10-inch spacing.
Harvest fresh stems at any point during the growing season for immediate use in arrangements. For dried arrangements and seed pods, wait until the seed pods have fully matured and begun to dry on the plant, then cut the entire stem and hang upside down in a dry location to cure completely. This timing typically occurs near the end of the growing season, 75, 110 days after sowing, though you can begin harvesting fresh material much earlier.
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