Growing Non-GMO Alternanthera Purple Knight Flower Seeds

Purple Knight Alternanthera is easy to grow from seed and most commonly sown directly outdoors after the frost but, for earliest blooms, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior. Alternanthera decorative foliage seeds will germinate in 5-14 days with full lighting. Harden off the seedlings to a sunny place in the garden to promote maximum color. Plants are popularly repotted overwinter and reintroduced outdoors in the springtime after freezing temperatures have passed.

Purple Knight Alternanthera requires consistently moist soil and must not be allowed to dry out or foliage and vibrancy will suffer. Plants will show signs of wilt if left un-shaded during excessive summer heat. Plants will shoot small white blooms in the summer, however, most gardeners prefer to pinch the shoots to focus energies on the vibrant leaf production instead. To encourage a more compact habit, clip or pinch off the top inch or two of foliage down to the nearest node. This will promote branching instead of vertical growth.

Alternanthera Purple Knight in the Flower Garden

Alternanthera is perfect as a background or filler plant to enhance and highlight larger, blooming flowers. Use Alternanthera to fill in areas that still need a bit of color or texture but perhaps aren’t full sun enough for a flashy bloom. They are perfect for bordering a cut flower garden or annual bed. They are also very popular for potted arrangements with flowering annuals and grasses to round out the look.

Landscape Use of Alternanthera Purple Knight

Purple Knight looks stunning with Ornamental Millet, petunias, and canna lilies. Alternanthera is ideal for walkways, borders, fences, or patio displays, especially those in partially shaded spots. It never fails to add interest into containers!

About Alternanthera Purple Knight Garden Seeds

Alternanthera is not recommended for human consumption except in moderation. There is conflicting evidence presented as to if it is toxic to pets like dogs or cats. Contact a medical professional with questions.

Although they will produce small flowers when planted in the sun, they are typically removed before they reach maturity to not distract from the glossy, dark foliage. To grow as a perennial, reduce watering and fertilization during the late fall and winter.

Alternanthera is even popular for use as a house plant and typically thrives in bright, filtered light. Take care not to overwater.

Alternanthera dentata, or otherwise best known as Purple Knight, or Joyweed, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable ground covers in the world. Most species of Alternanthera are used as ornamentals, while some species are grown as a vegetable in various parts of Asia. There is a variety of similarly dark leafy plants that can often be substituted or grown in tandem with Purple Knight alternanthera including dichondra, iresine, and plectranthus.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Purple Knight is my go to for a dramatic annual ground cover. I love planting these at the base of flowering cherry and pear trees. The contrast is stunning.”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Alternanthera Purple Knight Seeds Per Package:

• 10 seed Packet
• 100 Seeds - Wholesale
• 500 Seeds - Bulk

Non-GMO Alternanthera Purple Knight seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.