Gomphrena Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, ph.D. - Updated 19th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gomphrena plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Gomphrena showcases round, clover-like blooms in vivid colors. Their persistent blooms and resilience to heat make them a garden favorite, offering continuous color throughout the season.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These sun-lovers prefer well-draining soil and thrive best in full sun. Regular watering aids optimal growth, especially in the initial growth stages.
- General Care: Gomphrena is low-maintenance and drought-resistant once established. Deadheading isn't necessary, but can help to keep the plant looking tidy.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Globe Amaranth is a perfect beginner plant due to its hardy nature and low care requirements. PIts vibrant blooms will make it a rewarding choice for those new to gardening.
Globe Amaranth: Cultivation & Garden Use
Gomphrena plants are half hardy annuals that reach between 25 and 45 cm (10 to 18 inches) 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.
Gomphrena globosa – Globe Amaranth by Carl E Lewis.
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 (8 to 12 inches) apart. Locate in a sunny part of the garden. For best results, 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. Next, sow into pots.
Germinate Gomphrena seeds at a temperature of 21 to 25 degrees centigrade (70 to 77°F), 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.
Gomphrena globosa - Globe Amaranth by GreenGardenVienna.
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Gomphrena Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Globe Amaranth, Strawberry Fields Globe Amaranth, Bachelor Button.Family: Amaranthaceae.
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 (more pointed at the base). 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.
Common Questions
How many members does the Gomphrena genus have?
The Gomphrena genus consists of around 90 species.
Do members of Gomphrena make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Gomphrena, or Globe Amaranth, are admired for their vibrant, long-lasting flowers and make a wonderful addition to gardens and floral arrangements.
Which Gomphrena species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Gomphrena globosa, the common Globe Amaranth, is popular among gardeners for its showy, ball-shaped flowers.
Are members of the Gomphrena plant genus fragrant?
Gomphrena flowers do not typically have a noticeable fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Gomphrena?
Gomphrena prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also drought tolerant, making it suitable for hotter, drier climates.
Is Gomphrena invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Gomphrena species are not recognized as invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Gomphrena plants from my garden?
To remove Gomphrena, pull up the plants and ensure removal of any root fragments to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Gomphrena genus, commonly known as Globe Amaranth, is part of the Amaranthaceae family. These annual plants, native to Central America, are prized for their round, bright flower heads that dry well for arrangements.
Sow Gomphrena seeds in the spring, in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are heat and drought-tolerant, requiring little care once established. Regular deadheading will promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gomphrena plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Amaranthaceae growing guides: How to grow Amaranthus retroflexus, Leucojum, and Kochia plants.
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