Amaranthus blitoides
Amaranthus blitoides
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Pl. E052 — Amaranthus blitoides
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus blitoides, commonly known as pigweed, is an annual plant native to the central and midwestern United States, including Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. This light-loving species thrives in moist conditions and can be found growing in a variety of soil types, from sandy to heavy clay. It is hardy in zones 6-10 and reaches heights of about 20 cm. The plant's edible parts include its leaves and seeds, making it a valuable forage crop as well as an ingredient in various culinary dishes.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus blitoides?
Amaranthus blitoides, commonly known as pigweed, is an annual plant native to the central and midwestern United States, including Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus blitoides thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to about 0.2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 6-10. This annual plant can be propagated through seeds and is native to states like Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus blitoides for the first time
8steps
Start with Amaranthus blitoides for a simple, low-maintenance project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Amend soil with compost for better drainage if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.6 cm deep, about 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells. Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly by cutting stems just above a leaf node to promote more foliage and prevent flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting regular pinching back.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Amaranthus blitoides are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. Seeds can be harvested and used as a grain, often ground into flour or roasted for snacks. Both parts add nutritional value to meals.
Other uses:AdhesiveDyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)AlbaniaPortugalSpain
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Colorado, South Dakota, Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan, Texas, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma
introduced:California, British Columbia, Arizona, Alberta, Argentina South, Argentina Northwest, Baltic States, Amur, Altay
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e052eba8-4d7c-44d6-ad69-9b98cf925f3f
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