Amaranthus blitum
Amaranthus blitum
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Pl. 6835 — Amaranthus blitum
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus blitum, commonly known as pigweed or lamb's-quarters, is an annual herb that thrives in light to medium soil types and requires full sun with moist conditions. Native to regions including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and parts of Italy like Sardegna, this plant can grow up to 1 meter tall. Recognized for its edible leaves and seeds, it is cultivated both as a food source and an ornamental in gardens. One distinctive feature of A. blitum is its ability to adapt to various soil types, from light sandy soils to heavier clay soils, making it a versatile plant in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus blitum?
Amaranthus blitum, commonly known as pigweed or lamb's-quarters, is an annual herb that thrives in light to medium soil types and requires full sun with moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus blitum thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of 1 meter and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This annual plant can be propagated by seed and its edible parts include the leaves and seeds. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus blitum for the first time
8steps
Start with Amaranthus blitum as an easy-to-grow annual for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, a garden plot, and water.
- 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
Prepare well-draining soil with a mix of light sand, medium loam, and clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots 2-3 weeks before planting outside. Transplant seedlings when they are about 5 cm (2 inches) tall.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide full sun exposure. Water regularly, especially if it's dry or hot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly by cutting back stems to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too late in the season, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Europe3 regions
native (1)Italy
introduced (2)PortugalRussia
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)BangladeshChinaIndia
Americas5 regions
native (4)BoliviaParaguayPeruUruguay
introduced (1)French Guiana
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)BeninCameroonEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Brazil West-Central, Brazil Northeast, Argentina Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Chile North, Brazil South
introduced:California, British Columbia, Amur, Congo, Cook Is., East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Florida
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 683513d3-94d9-4add-a54c-26af208704a8
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