Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - Flower Growing Guides

Search Cornell

Home Gardening

Flower Growing Guides

Growing Guide

[+] larger image

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.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information
	Varieties

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 �� 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 � to 2� tall plants with flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, white, and orange.