Gomphrena (globe amaranth)
Gomphrena globosa · Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae)
| Hardiness zones | 9 to 11 |
|---|---|
| Sun | full sun |
| Water | low |
| Life cycle | annual |
| Frost | Tender: killed by frost |
| Spacing | 12 to 18 inches |
| Days to harvest | 84 to 112 days |
About Gomphrena (globe amaranth)
Gomphrena makes round, clover-like 1- to 2-inch heads of papery bracts in purple, pink, lavender and white (red and orange in its cousin G. haageana) from June until frost. It shrugs off heat and drought, draws butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects, and is a favorite for cutting and drying because it keeps its color.
Grown as a summer annual in every zone; it can live over only in zones 9-11 (NC State, Clemson).
When to plant
Timing is counted from your average last spring frost (and first fall frost). Sow & Tell works out the actual dates for your ZIP code.
- Start seeds indoors: 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost
- Set out plants: up to 2 weeks after the last frost
Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost at 70-75 F; it can take 2-3 weeks to sprout, and soaking seed overnight speeds it up (Wisconsin, Clemson). Seedlings bloom about 12-16 weeks after sowing (Clemson). Set out after frost 12-18 inches apart.
Soil
Average, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Average, well-drained soil is fine; follow a soil test before adding fertilizer.
Feeding
Drought stress can bring on mildew; water during long dry spells.
Harvest
Blooms from June until frost. For drying, cut stems when the heads are fully open and bright, then hang them upside down (Wisconsin, Clemson).
Varieties (15)
| Variety | Type | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audray series | Cut flower | 20-24 in tall; bicolor rose, pink, red and white. | |
| Buddy series | Dwarf G. globosa | 6-12 in tall; Rose, Purple and White. | |
| Gnome series | Dwarf G. globosa | 6-10 in tall; Pink, Purple and White. | |
| Bicolor Rose | G. globosa | Pink and white heads. | |
| Pinball series | G. globosa | 10-14 in tall. | |
| Ping Pong series | G. globosa | 16-20 in tall; lavender, purple and white. | |
| Cosmic Flare | Gomphrena | ||
| Fireworks | Gomphrena | ||
| Pinata | Gomphrena | Pink; 23 in tall and 41 in wide in Penn State trials. | |
| Truffula Pink | Gomphrena | Pink; 25 in tall and 33 in wide in Penn State trials. | |
| QIS series | Gomphrena haageana | 24-26 in tall; eight colors. | |
| Strawberry Fields | Gomphrena haageana | Bright red heads; 18-28 in tall. | |
| Las Vegas series | Tall G. globosa | 16-20 in tall; bright colors. | |
| Fireball Pink | Vegetative hybrid | Dark pink; 12-18 in tall. | |
| Spitfire Pink | Vegetative hybrid | Pink. |
Diseases and problems
Gray mold, Root rot, Powdery mildew, Leaf spot
In the kitchen
Pets: We found no ASPCA entry for globe amaranth, so we can't say it is pet-safe; discourage pets from chewing it.
Sources
Photo: Photo: Dalgial, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0). Photo resized for the web.
Planting dates and advice are general guidance; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for your area.