Gomphrena

Overview:

The Gomphrena flower, commonly known as the globe amaranth, is a vibrant and resilient plant that is perfect for your summer cottage cut flower garden. Known for its striking, globe-shaped blossoms, this flower comes in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, pink, red, and white. Native to Central and South America, Gomphrena is celebrated for its ability to thrive in hot and dry climates, making it a popular choice for gardens in hot climates. Its long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for both fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Starting seeds:

Starting seeds for gomphrena is relatively easy. I usually sow 1-2 seeds per cell and thin to one per cell after germination. We surface-sow the seeds ( sprinkle seeds on top of soil) followed by a light sprinkle seed starting mix then a sprinkle of vermiculite after sowing. Lightly water in plants after sprinkling with soil, not after sprikling vermiculate on top of the soil Place humidity dome on top of seedlings and place under a grow light.

Germination occurs typically after 7-14 days Check out my seed starting guide for more tips and tricks for indoor seed starting. Start seeds indoors in Late febuary - March here in zone 9b. Start 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

When to plant outdoors: 

When nighly temps reach 50 degrees is a great time to plant gomphreana outside. These plants like it HOT, so planting them early will not help them. We typically start planting them outside in Arizona zone 9b in April. Our last fost is March 1st, but soil tempatures are usually still to cold for the gomphrena to thrive until April.

Spacing: 

Space 9-12” apart for most varieties. Dwarf varieties such as ‘Gnome’ can be spaced 6” apart.

Sun: 

Full sun 

Flower Support:

Not needed

Pinching:

Yes, Pinch plants when they are about 6” tall, althought its not as crutial as other flowers like zinnias.

Fertilizing: 

Gomphrenas are not heavy feeders. We ususally get them established with a good well balanced fertilizer.

Favorite varieties:

QIS Purple

Audray Bi-color rose

Gnome series