Amaranthus Viridis produces long, lime-green flower tassels that hang among broad green leaves. The cascading flowers add an unusual shape to summer borders, large pots and garden beds, and can also be used in fresh or dried arrangements.

This green-flowered form of Love-Lies-Bleeding grows quickly during warm weather. Its leafy stems give height to a planting, while the hanging tassels soften the display and combine well with pink, purple, red and white flowers.

Why Gardeners Love It

• Green Flowers: Lime-green tassels bring a different colour to summer displays.
• Cascading Shape: Long flower clusters hang naturally from the stems.
• Summer Performance: Established plants handle warm and hot weather well.
• Cut Flowers: Suitable for fresh bouquets and dried arrangements.
• Garden Presence: Adds height and texture to borders and large containers.

Best Conditions

• Germination: Usually 7–21 days
• Germination temperature: Around 20–24°C
• Seed tray light: Bright, indirect light
• Sunlight: At least 6 hours
• Pot size: Preferably a 14–16-inch pot for one plant
• Spacing: About 18–24 inches between plants
• Plant height: Usually around 3–5 feet
• Soil: Moist, fertile and well-draining mix

Sowing note: As a general guide for Pakistan, sow from March to April in Lahore and Faisalabad, and from April to May in Islamabad and Rawalpindi once nights have warmed. In Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from February to April. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from April to May after frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Adjust these windows to local temperatures.

How to Sow

1. Fill a seed tray or small pots with seed starter mix and moisten it gently.
2. Scatter the seeds thinly over the surface, leaving small gaps between them.
3. Press the tiny seeds gently onto the mix and leave them uncovered.
4. Mist lightly and cover loosely with a clear lid, lifting it daily for ventilation.
5. Remove the lid when seedlings appear and carefully thin any crowded patches.
6. Transplant when seedlings have 3–4 true leaves, keeping their root balls intact. 

Plant Care

Water regularly while the plants are establishing and allow the upper layer of the mix to begin drying between waterings. Established plants tolerate short dry periods, but regular watering supports stronger growth and fuller flower displays.

For a bushier plant, pinch out the growing tip while it is young to encourage side branches. Support tall stems with a cane if they begin leaning, especially in exposed pots.

Mix a small amount of Vermicompost into the final potting mix before transplanting. Check tender shoots and leaf undersides for aphids. If they appear, use Neem Oil according to the label directions, applying it during the cooler part of the day.

Local Gardener Tips

• Protect seed trays from heavy rain and strong watering.
• Gradually introduce young seedlings to outdoor sunlight before transplanting.
• Use a stable container in windy balcony or rooftop gardens.
• Leave enough room for the tassels to hang freely between neighbouring plants.
• Remove unwanted seedlings if mature flower heads are allowed to shed seed.

Flowering and Display

The green tassels develop during warm weather and become more prominent as the flower heads mature. Position the plants behind shorter flowers or display them in large containers where the hanging clusters are clearly visible.

For fresh arrangements, cut stems with well-developed tassels and place them promptly in clean water. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline. For dried arrangements, hang small bunches in a shaded, dry and airy place.

FAQs

Is Amaranthus Viridis a climbing plant?

No. It grows as a tall, leafy plant with upright stems. The flower tassels hang down naturally, but the stems do not climb or attach themselves to a trellis.

Can I sow it directly in the garden?

Yes. Sow onto finely prepared soil once it has warmed, press the seeds gently into the surface and water with a fine spray. Thin the seedlings as they develop so each plant has room to grow.

Will the same plant grow again next year?

It is an annual and completes its life cycle in one season. New seedlings may appear where seeds have fallen, but sow a fresh batch for a planned display the following year.

Common names: Amaranthus Viridis, Green Tassel Amaranth, Green Love-Lies-Bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus ‘Viridis’, Green Tails, Green Cascade