Grow Gomphrena Flowers for Long-Lasting Color

Botanical name:

Gomphrena spp.

Common names:

Globe amaranth, globe flower, bachelor’s button (a nickname shared by several different plants)

Plant type:

Annual

Exposure:

Full sun

Bloom time:

Early summer until frost

Height:

Varies by type, ranging from dwarf cultivars that grow 6 to 8 inches tall to others, such as ‘Fireworks’, that can grow as tall as 4 feet.

Flower colors and characteristics:

Clover-like flowerheads are actually made up of colorful bracts (modified leaves that resemble petals) in shades of purple, pink, red, orange, or white. The true flowers are tiny and barely perceptible, but if you look closely you’ll see them peeking out from between the papery bract layers.

Foliage:

Typically narrow and elliptical, varying in color from deep green to blue-green.

Where to plant:

Grow in a site that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Although Gomphrena can tolerate partial shade, the flowers won't be quite as abundant.

When to plant:

Set out bedding plants 2 to 3 weeks after the last spring frost date. If growing from seeds, start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost or scatter them directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up, covering them with a thin layer of fine soil.

Soil:

Plant in average, well-drained soil. Globe amaranth isn't picky when it comes to soil type, and will even tolerate poor or sandy soil as long as it has good drainage.

Plant spacing:

Globe amaranth doesn’t like to be crowded, so allow sufficient elbow room between plants to ensure good air circulation. When growing in masses, space plants at least a foot apart.

Water:

Although drought tolerant once established, Gomphrena will benefit from extra hydration during prolonged dry spells. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, taking care to water plants at the soil line to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.

Amendments and fertilizer:

This light feeder doesn’t need much fertilizer to thrive. Incorporating some compost or other organic matter into the soil at planting time will usually provide enough nourishment for a summer’s worth of blooms. If the quality of your garden soil is poor, mix a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil for an extra nutritional boost.

For container-grown plants, use a high-quality potting mix containing a continuous-release plant food. Be careful not to over-fertilize, which will encourage the plant to produce more foliage instead of flowers.

Pruning and deadheading:

Globe amaranth does not need pinching or deadheading to put on a continuous show of blooms. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth, especially when growing taller varieties, you can pinch back plants by about half early in the growing season, cutting the stems just above a set of leaves. Snipping off the blooms for use as cut flowers will also encourage branching and promote a new flush of blooms later in the season.

Pests and diseases:

Resists most common insect pests, as well as deer and rabbits. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can sometimes be problems, especially if there is poor air circulation between plants. (Find more deer-resistant annuals and perennials.)

Is Gomphrena an annual or perennial?

Although it can be grown as a perennial in mild climates (zones 9-11), it is treated as a warm-season annual elsewhere. (See: Understanding the Difference Between Annual and Perennial Plants.)

Can I grow globe amaranth from seed?

Yes, Gomphrena is easy to propagate from seed. However, the germination rate is low, so if you are planting seeds in the spring, sow them evenly and generously. You can thin out the seedlings later when they reach a height of 1 to 2 inches. (Learn more about growing your own plants from seed.)

How do I dry globe amaranth flowers?

Harvest the blooms after the flowers have fully opened and strip the leaves from the stems. Tie the bare stems in bunches and hang the flowers upside down to dry in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Once dried, the flowerheads are great additions to floral arrangements and craft projects. The following spring, you can crush the dried flowers and toss them into the garden to release the seeds for another season of blooms.

Are globe amaranth plants toxic?

No. In fact, all parts of the plant are edible and pose no threat to people or animals. The flowers are sometimes used to brew teas that are said to have anti-oxidant and medicinal properties.

Is globe amaranth invasive?

No. Although Gomphrena may self-seed under the right conditions, the seedlings are easy to remove from areas where they are unwanted. Not to be confused with the larger Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) which has been ruled invasive in many areas.