Growing Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)

Pronunciation: gom-free'nuh   

Gomphrena is a genus of 90 species, mostly annuals, found in a range of habitats in Australia and Central and South America. These multi-stemmed plants produce colorful, clover-like flower heads that are useful in both cut bouquets and dried arrangements. If you pinch plants back by ½ on arrival, you'll delay flowering, but the plants will produce more branches and thus more flowers over a longer season.

Light/Watering: Full sun. Although relatively drought tolerant, it's best to water when the top 1in of soil is dry. Water at the soil line to help keep the leaves dry.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Plant in average to dry garden soil that drains well. Use an all-purpose or bloom-boosting fertilizer during the growing season, mixed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Pests/Diseases: Provide good air circulation to keep the leaves dry and prevent leaf spot.

Companions: Gomphrena makes a good filler with other sun-loving annual bedding plants such as Dahlias, Salvia, and Zinnias.