Central Virginia Organic Gardener

"And 'tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes." - William Wordsworth, 1798

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Another Mystery Plant: Do you know what it is? Revealed

Here is another mystery plant: anyone know what it is?  Hint: An important crop to some native Americans, it is edible in one stage and used for other purposes in another stage.
ANSWER: this is Hope red dye amaranth. Amaranth produces an edible, high-protein seed, but this one is specifically grown to produce a red textile dye.  I will be learning to make solar dye bath soon at Ginter Gardens (Dye Plants class in August) and will post the results!
Happy Gardening!

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