Hopi Red Dye Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

Hopi Red Dye Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus): extraordinarily ornamental, this variety of amaranth is another gift from the greatest growers among the Amerindian natives: the people of peace, the Hopi. The plant is over 1,5 mt tall, the dark green leaves - of beautiful red veins -and can be consumed by harvesting them before flowering, when they are still tender. The panicle (inflorescence) is of great size, it exceeds the half meter, it bares a slightly sagging posture, of the same vermilion of the veins, but even more intense.
 It has megatermal needs, it is sown from April to June in the South, it provides two months for harvesting the leaves, then begins a long flowering. Once finished, the edible seeds, black in this variety, can be harvested by sifting them to separate them from the plant residues.
 The seeds do not disperse immediately so they tolerate the inexperience of the first harvest.

Just as the rare Hopi Black Dye Sunflower, the Hopi use this plant as a dyer, for the decoration of artifacts, including the rattle used in rituals such as the rain dance, created by the lagenary pumpkin Hopi Rattle. This magnificent plant has many uses: ornamental, to bring a different, healthy taste to the table, and for botanical interest.