Amaranthus albus

A common annual weed with mildly flavoured edible leaves used as a spinach substitute rich in vitamins and minerals. The seeds are also edible. Common names include: White Pigweed, Tumble Pigweed, Tumbleweed, Prostrate Pigweed. U.S. name: Prostrate Pigweed. French: Amarante blanche. Spanish: bledo blanco. Portuguese: bredo-branco. German: weißer Fuchsschwanz. Brazilian: carurú-branco. Swedish: vit amarant.

Amaranthus albus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.7 m .
It is hardy to zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as a spring-sown annual in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. Most if not all members of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions.