Gomphrena, or globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), is a warm-season annual with clover-like round flowers in pink, purple, red and white. Clemson Extension lists it at 1 to 2 feet tall and 6 inches to 1 foot wide, blooming from summer until frost, and notes it is generally free of serious insect and disease problems. Illinois Extension says it handles heat, humidity and rain well and tends to flower late, from June to October.
Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth) at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Warm-season |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 9 in |
| Row spacing | 9 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | 0.125 in |
| Days to maturity | About 12–16 weeks from sowing to bloom |
| How to start | Start gomphrena seed indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost at 70–75°F, harden seedlings off in shade, then plant in full sun for blooms from summer to frost |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant gomphrena
Per Clemson, sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, keeping the mix at 70 to 75°F; seedlings emerge in about 2 to 3 weeks and bloom comes about 12 to 16 weeks after sowing. Acclimate seedlings in shade before moving them to full sun, and plant out after your last frost. Use the planting calendar to time it. Buying transplants, often sold in 4- or 6-cell packs, is the easiest route.
How to plant gomphrena
- Sowing: the Clemson and Illinois pages do not give a seed depth, so follow your seed packet.
- Site: full sun (6 to 8 hours of direct sun), though partial shade is tolerated. Average, well-drained soil suits it; Illinois describes moist but well-drained soil.
- Spacing: the sources give no spacing; mature plants are about 6 to 12 inches wide, and tall cultivars such as Audray reach 10 to 12 inches, so check your plant tag. See the plant spacing calculator.
Caring for gomphrena
Gomphrena is drought tolerant once established, but benefits from regular watering during the growing season (Clemson). Illinois advises watering only in prolonged, very dry spells. Drought-stressed plants may develop mildew, so irrigate during dry spells. See the garden watering calculator.
Deer and rabbits generally avoid it. The sources do not discuss fertilizer.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Other heat-loving annuals such as zinnia, celosia and cosmos in borders, containers and cutting gardens |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Shade and persistently wet soil |
Clemson lists uses in borders, containers, annual beds, cottage and cutting gardens, and rock gardens. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Slow to flower | No blooms until midsummer | Plants tend to flower late and need about 12 to 16 weeks from sowing; start seed early indoors. |
| Mildew | White powdery film on leaves | Drought-stressed plants may develop mildew; irrigate during dry spells (Clemson). |
| Leggy, weak plants | Few flowers and floppy stems | It prefers 6 to 8 hours of direct sun; partial shade is only tolerated. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Harvest flowers for drying when they are fully open and the color is bright, before they become overmature. Cut the stems, bundle them and hang them upside down (Clemson). The flowers are called everlastings, and Illinois notes it is a good cut flower that dries well.
Plan your gomphrena
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant gomphrenas?
Space gomphrenas 9 inches apart in rows 9 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant gomphrena seed?
The Clemson and Illinois pages do not give a depth; follow your seed packet.
How long do gomphrenas take to grow?
About 12 to 16 weeks from sowing to bloom; seedlings emerge in 2 to 3 weeks at 70-75°F.
How much water do gomphrenas need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Drought tolerant once established; water regularly while growing.
When should I start gomphrena seed?
Indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, at 70 to 75°F.
When does gomphrena bloom?
About 12 to 16 weeks after sowing, from summer until frost.
How do I dry gomphrena?
Cut when fully open and bright, bundle and hang upside down.