Amaranthus

[ChrisH54]

I have just planted some of these in the garden only to be told they are a magnet for rats!!! Has anyone else ever planted them? I don't mind the odd field mouse and the odd wayward squirrel but draw the the line at rats. They have a 'millet' type flower that they are attracted to. Any help would be much appreciated - they could be coming out tomorrow!!!
Chris

[Alice]

I've got some red Amaranth just ready for planting - but I'm not up for rats either.
I''ll wait and see if we get any info here.
I only wanted to grow them for the leaves - so maybe the rats wouldn't be attracted.

[ChrisH54]

I believe we may be at cross purposes here. I think Amaranth is for the veggie plot whilst Amaranthus is for the flower bed. Perhaps someone of a greater knowledge could tell us

Chris

[Two_Sheds]

I'm a bit sleepy and dopey still: I thought your post said Agapanthus.
There are lots of amaranthus, see here: Amaranthaceae - Plants For A Future database search

amaranthus retroflexus (common, aka pigweed. grows from spilt birdseed) Common amaranth - Weed information - Organic Weed Management
Amaranthus hypochondriacus Amaranthus hypochondriacus - Plants For A Future database report

[ChrisH54]

Thanks for that, didn't realise I could eat it!!!!
Just spoken to a friend who read up on 'things' eating things they shouldn't. Apparently rodents hate chilli but it has no effect on birds, so I am off to soak some chilli in some hot water in a spray bottle and as soon as they start to flower shall be spraying them with this.

Chris

[Two_Sheds]

ok. But rodents don't tend to attack our crops (apart from mice stealing pea seeds). Rats prefer cooked food and takeaways