
Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches.
#Amaranth seedlings full#
Select a location in full sun with good rich well drained organic soil.This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”.Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot.
Raise the lights as the plants grow taller.
As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Maintain at a temperature around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow thinly and evenly and cover with fine seed starting formula. Sow amaranthus seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Firm soil lightly, water and keep evenly moist. Sow seeds 18 inches apart and cover with fine soil. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and working organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil then level and smooth. Direct sow seeds in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost.