Amaranthus cruentus tower red belongs to the Amaranthaceous family, which originates from Central America and now found worldwide. Amaranthus, collectively known as amaranth or pigweed, is a cosmopolitan genus of herbs. Although several species are often considered weeds, people around the world value amaranths as leaf vegetables, cereals, and ornamentals. An utterly unique plant habit, with an unbelievably floriferous, long-blooming season! This Amaranthus will make visitors do a double take, and its design possibilities are almost endless. From midsummer right through early fall, the plant bears masses of velvety-soft, bright red florets on thick, columnar spikes, the central stem much taller than the others. Who can resist such a novelty? The Tower red creates an instant focal point for the annual bed or border, and is at home among small shrubs and foliage plants as well. This plant ranges from 3 1/2 feet tall (at its central "tower") to about 27 inches at the secondary flower spikes. Each bloom column measures 16 to 20 inches long and several inches thick, every iota of space jammed with rich color. The stems are fascinating in fresh arrangements, and can be dried for winter-long color as Everlastings. They look like topiary, but these velvety columns never need shearing! The foliage is striking, too -- if you can take your eyes off the blooms long enough to see it! The green leaves are boldly splashed with purple right down to the ground. Hardiness zones: Any. The Tower red is a sun-loving annual that grows readily in any well-drained soil, and is drought resistant. This Cathedral type Amaranthus, produces 18?24" spikes, that matured in approximately 100-120 days from a direct sowing.