Gomphrena Growing Guide

Gomphrena globosa

Gomphrena

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Well-drained soil of average fertility.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

None. Gomphrena is a warm-season annual.

Feeding

Mulch the soil with compost prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid fertilizer to prolong bloom time.

Companions

Because of the unusual round shape of gomphrena flowers, they provide great contrast in form when combined with annuals that have upright spikes or flat, daisy-shaped blossoms.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow gomphrena seeds indoors to get a head start, or outdoors where you want the plants to grow at about the time of your last spring frost. Many gardeners purchase gomphrena seedlings as inexpensive bedding plants. Allow 12 inches (30cm) between tall varieties.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Gomphrena stems make long-lasting cut flowers. In warm climates, gomphrena sometimes reseeds but it is never invasive. Colors include purple, white, and orange.

Harvesting

Gather blossoms to use as cut flowers just after they open. If you like dried flowers, harvest blossoms when they have good color, strip off the leaves, and hang them to dry in small bunches in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Troubleshooting

Tall varieties grown as cut flowers may need staking. Late in the season, tired plants often develop leaf spots of powdery mildew.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Gomphrena