Amaranth

Amaranth

Scientific Name:
Amaranthus tricolor

Family:
Amaranthaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 3)
• Garnet Red (microgreen) (ID: 200)
• Red Leaf Specialty (ID: 193)

Introduction

Amaranthus tricolor, commonly known as edible amaranth or Joseph’s coat, is a species within the genus Amaranthus and family Amaranthaceae. This plant is renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored foliage, which includes shades of green, yellow, red, and purple. It is native to tropical Asia but is cultivated globally for both ornamental and culinary purposes. The genus name Amaranthus originates from the Greek word amarantos, meaning unfading, in reference to the long-lasting flowers of some species.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Amaranthus tricolor is an annual plant, typically growing between 1.6 and 5 feet tall, with a width of 1 to 2 feet. It features simple, alternate leaves with lanceolate or ovate shapes and entire or undulate margins. The plant is known for its striking foliage colors, which vary significantly across different cultivars.
• Growing Conditions: It thrives in moist soil with good drainage and can tolerate full sun but benefits from late afternoon shade. The plant is resistant to heat, drought, and poor soil conditions. However, it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist and may lose foliage color if over-fertilized.
• Lifecycle: As an annual, Amaranthus tricolor completes its life cycle within a year. It is propagated via seeds and can be grown as microgreens, which are harvested within 8 to 12 days for varieties like Red Garnet.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Amaranthus tricolor could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: Amaranth is rich in nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. This makes it a valuable crop for sustaining health in space missions. - Adaptability: Its ability to thrive in poor soil and tolerate drought could be advantageous in controlled environments with limited resources. - Low Maintenance: The plant requires minimal maintenance, which is crucial for space-based agriculture where resources and labor are limited. - Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors of Amaranthus tricolor could contribute to psychological well-being by providing a visually pleasing environment in space habitats.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

Currently, there is no specific information available on the cultivation of Amaranthus tricolor in space. However, the general interest in growing crops in space for future missions, such as those to the Moon or Mars, has led to experiments with various plant species. These experiments focus on understanding how plants adapt to microgravity and controlled environments, which could pave the way for future cultivation of Amaranthus tricolor or similar species in space.