Love Lies Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is a striking heirloom flower known for its dramatic, cascading tassels of crimson-red blooms. This unique plant adds bold texture and color to gardens, making it an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point. Easy to grow, Love Lies Bleeding thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, reaching impressive heights. Its long-lasting blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while also making stunning cut or dried flowers for arrangements. Although grown as an annual in many regions, it can reseed itself in favorable conditions, returning to bring spectacular beauty year after year.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
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Common Names: Love Lies Bleeding, Tassel Flower
Latin Name: Amaranthus caudatus
Type: Flower
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 2 - 11
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Height: 36-60 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Color: Crimson-red tassels
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Companion Plants: Corn, Beans, Squash (Love Lies Bleeding attracts beneficial pollinators and can act as a visual barrier in the garden, complementing taller vegetable crops.)
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in a wide range of climates, from warm and humid to dry and hot conditions
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Sow directly outdoors in late spring, after the last frost.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms. Transplant when soil is workable.
Days to Emerge:
7-14 days
Seed Depth:
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Love Lies Bleeding is somewhat frost-tolerant but performs best in warm weather.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Love Lies Bleeding prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can tolerate poorer soils. Adding organic matter will promote better blooms.
Watering:
Water consistently during early growth. Once established, Love Lies Bleeding is moderately drought-tolerant but will bloom best with regular moisture.
Light and Temperature:
Thrives in full sun and is heat-tolerant. This plant grows well in both hot, dry conditions and humid climates.
Maintenance:
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the blooming season, or allow them to mature for seed-saving. The plant may reseed in favorable conditions.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in large containers, but make sure the pot has adequate depth and drainage to accommodate the plant’s size.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest flowers when the tassels are fully developed for fresh or dried arrangements.
How to Harvest:
Cut stems at the base with sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Drying and Storing:
Love Lies Bleeding is ideal for drying. Hang stems upside down in a cool, dark place to dry. Store dried flowers in a cool, dry place.
Edible Use:
The seeds of Amaranthus are edible and highly nutritious, commonly used as a grain substitute in some cultures.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow seed heads to dry on the plant. Once dry, collect seeds by gently shaking the plant.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from the dried flower heads and air dry them fully before storing.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Love Lies Bleeding is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Origin:
Native to South America, Love Lies Bleeding has been cultivated for centuries as both an ornamental and food crop.
Nomenclature:
The name "Amaranthus" comes from the Greek word for "unfading," referring to the long-lasting nature of the flowers.
History:
Amaranth has been used as a food crop for thousands of years by indigenous peoples in Central and South America, and its dramatic blooms have been popular in European gardens since the Victorian era.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals.
Climate Adaptability:
Love Lies Bleeding adapts well to a variety of climates, from temperate to tropical, and thrives in both dry and humid conditions.
