Growing Guide
 
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Gomphrena

Annual Flower

Also known as Globe Amaranth, Globe Flower
Gomphrena globosa
Amaranthaceae Family

Compact and colorful, Gomphrena produces globular flowerheads that brighten the garden and are great for fresh-cut and dried floral arrangements. Excellent choice for dry, sunny locations.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun

Soil conditions:

  • tolerates droughty soil
  • requires well-drained soil

Special locations:

  • outdoor containers
  • xeriscapes
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 0.5 to 2 feet

Spread: 0.75 to 1.5 feet

Bloom time:

  • mid-summer
  • late summer
  • early fall
  • mid-fall

Flower color:

  • orange
  • yellow
  • violet
  • white
  • pink

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: same as above

Special Considerations
Tolerates:
  • heat
Special characteristics:
  • deer resistant
  • non-aggressive
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America - Central and South America, Australia
Attracts:
  • butterflies
Special uses:
  • cut flowers
  • dried flowers - The floral heads make very good dried flowers, simply hang them upside down in a well-ventilated place, and you will have color to enjoy all winter.
  • direct-seeding
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by seed - Start the plants from seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, or scatter them where desired outside after frost danger has passed. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, as darkness aids germination.

Germination temperature: 70 F to 75 F

Days to emergence: 14 to 21

Maintenance and care:
Water in very dry conditions.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Varieties
Look for dwarfs and different flower color variations.

‘Woodcreek Mixed’: flowers in shades of orange, red, magenta, pink and white on 1 ½’ tall plants. These plants are the best for dried and cut flower production.

‘Buddy’ Series: dwarf (8” tall) plants are mounded and very compact. Very reliable in the border. Flowers in shades of purple and rose.

‘Full Series Mixed’: 1 ½ to 2’ tall plants with flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, white, and orange.