How to Grow Gomphrena Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Globe Amaranth

Gomphrena plants are half hardy annuals that reach between 25 and 45 cm in height.

Gomphrena species bloom from summer through to early autumn and carry globe shaped flowers of violet, red or white.

An example of a commonly grown garden member of this genus is the Globe Amaranth.

em>Gomphrena globosa – Globe Amaranth by Carl E Lewis.

Globe Amaranth picture

Strawberry Fields Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa - Globe Amaranth by GreenGardenVienna.

Gomphrena Plant Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Globe Amaranth, Strawberry Fields Globe Amaranth, Bachelor Button.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.
Height: 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 cm).
Native: South and Central America.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.
Flowers: Summer to autumn.
Flower Details: Magenta, red, purple, white, lilac, pink. Ball shaped. Flowers look similar to strawberry fruits.
Foliage: Oblanceolate. Green, Blueish-green.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Following last frost. Spacing 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Soak seeds for one day. Germination time: one to two weeks in the dark. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Soil pH 6 to 7. Average soil. Drought tolerant. Provide a light feed at the first sign of blooming. Pinch tips.

How to Grow Globe Amaranth and other Gomphrena in the Garden

If growing globe amaranth from seed outdoors then sow the seeds following the last frost of spring; lightly cover the globe amaranth seeds once sown. Ideally amaranths should be spaced at about 20 to 30 cm apart and grown in a sunny part of the garden, For best result grow Gomphrena species in a soil of pH 6 to 7.

If starting off Globe amaranth indoors then first soak the seeds for a day, then sow into pots. Germinate Gomphrena seeds at a temperature of 21 to 25 degrees centigrade in the dark. Transplant the globe amaranth seedlings into the garden following the last frost.

Caring for Globe Amaranth

It is easy to look after Globe amaranth plants. When they are young, pinch back the tips to encourage branching; this will result in bushier Gomphrena plants. Once flowers break from their buds give them a light feed.