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Gomphrena makes a superb cut flower with its unusual spherical heads of papery petals that also dry exceptionally well. It’s a cut-and-come-again plant, so you can get more than one crop of flowers from each plant. Let’s dive in to learn how to grow Globe Amaranth.
What is Globe Amaranth
Globe Amaranth, scientifically known as Gomphrena Globosa, is a beautiful flowering plant that is highly valued for its unique spherical heads of papery petals. It is a versatile plant that serves as an excellent cut flower, and its flower heads also dry exceptionally well, making it perfect for floral arrangements and crafts.
Globe Amaranth comes in various colors, but the pink and white mix is particularly stunning. This plant belongs to the genus Gomphrena and is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. It is an hardy annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season.
In terms of size, Globe Amaranth typically grows to a height of about 30 to 60 cms, with a bushy and compact habit. Its foliage is usually green and lance-shaped, providing an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flower heads.
Three questions. Two minutes. A flower list chosen for your actual garden, not some idealised one.
Let’s find your flowers.
When it comes to growing conditions, Globe Amaranth thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions once established. This makes it an ideal choice for sustainable seasonal flower gardening.
By following the proper care and cultivation techniques, you can enjoy the beauty of Globe Amaranth in your garden and create stunning floral displays with its long-lasting and versatile blooms.
How to grow Globe Amaranth:
- Sow indoors 6-8 weeks prior to last expected frost. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil.
- Transplant seedlings after 3 weeks into 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.
- Sow in the Autumn for flowers the following early Summer, or in the Spring for flowers later in the season.
I have to admit I have struggled to get this germinating well, but I shall persevere again this year as I’m determined to boost my dried flower options.
Plant details:
- Plant type: hardy annual
- Height: 60-75cm
- Site: full sun
- Sowing depth: surface sow
- Germination: 5-14 days
- Temperature: 21-26°C
- Days to maturity: 90-120 days
- Plant spacing: 30cm
- Pinch: not necessary
- Staking: no
- Drying: yes
- Approx seeds per packet: 50
Please note we pack the majority of our seeds by weight so the number of seeds indicated is only an approximation.
Currently, I sell our seeds, and other bits and bobs, through Etsy, so the link below will direct you there.
Harvesting and vase life:
Harvest when flower head is open. Expect a vase life of 7 days.
A quick aside: I built a little app for flower growers who want gentle reminders about what to do and when - without it turning into another thing to feel guilty about. It's called the Flower Grower Companion. You tell it your location and your flowers, it tells you what actually needs doing this week (and just as importantly, when there's nothing to do at all)
Have a look
