Amaranthus caudatus

Annual plant, open pollinated. 

Love lies bleeding bears beautiful long chenille textured tassel-like florets the colour of old-fashioned burgundy drapes. This variety was introduced in the late 1600s, A stunning addition to the flower garden and the vegetable garden. Almost every part of this beautiful Amaranth plant is edible : use the green leaves in casseroles and stir fries, and if you're up for it, you can harvest the amaranth grain to add to your meals.  It is also a great addition to flower arrangements, both fresh and dry. 

days to maturity: 60-80

100 seeds per pack. 

Seed Starting 

Direct sow out in garden in late spring, once night time temperatures are steadily above 10°C. Sow seeds 1/4inch deep in well drained soil in full sun. Seeds should germinate in 4 to 10 days. Thin seedlings to 10-14 inches apart in rows 20 inches apart.

William Wordsworth wrote a poem about this dreamy plant in (circa 1845): 

You call it, Love lies bleeding, -- so you may,
Though the red Flower, not prostrate, only droops,
As we have seen it here from day to day,
From month to month, life passing not away:
A flower how rich in sadness! Even thus stoops,
(Sentient by Grecian sculpture's marvellous power)
Thus leans, with hanging brow and body bent
Earthward in uncomplaining languishment
The dying Gladiator. So, sad Flower!
('T is Fancy guides me willing to be led,
Though by a slender thread,)
So drooped Adonis bathed in sanguine dew
Of his death-wound, when he from innocent air
The gentlest breath of resignation drew;
While Venus in a passion of despair
Rent, weeping over him, her golden hair
Spangled with drops of that celestial shower.
She suffered, as Immortals sometimes do;
But pangs more lasting far, that Lover knew
Who first, weighed down by scorn, in some lone bower
Did press this semblance of unpitied smart
Into the service of his constant heart,
His own dejection, downcast Flower! could share
With thine, and gave the mournful name which thou wilt ever bear.