Gomphrena is a Half-Hardy Annual.

It originates from Central America, so it is a sun-worshipper that cannot survive a frost.

The Heat Seeker: Unlike Hardy Annuals (like Cornflowers) that like a cool start, Gomphrena will sulk in cold soil. Treat it like a tomato or a chilli plant—start it warm indoors and only put it out when summer has truly arrived (June).

Patience and warmth are the keys to success with Globe Amaranth.

Germination:
Sow indoors from March to April. Sow into module trays and cover the seeds with compost or vermiculite. They prefer darkness to germinate, so cover the tray with cardboard or black plastic. Keep very warm (20-25°C). Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They demand full sun. They thrive in well-drained, sandy soil. They are extremely drought tolerant once established but hate heavy, wet clay.

Care While Growing:
Pinch: When plants are 15cm tall, pinch out the central tip to encourage them to branch. This gives you more stems for cutting.
Harvest: Cut stems when the flower heads are fully coloured but before the bottom bracts start to brown.

Gomphrena needs heat-loving friends. Pair it with other flowers that thrive in a baking hot summer:

• 🍊 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The Hot Palette. Zinnias and Gomphrena are the best of friends. They both love sun, hate cold soil, and produce rigid, long-lasting flowers. The orange and red in the Lilliput mix blend perfectly with 'Strawberry Fields'.
• 🌻 Rudbeckia 'Marmalade': The Autumn Glow. The golden-orange of Rudbeckia complements the red of the Gomphrena beautifully. Both plants keep flowering late into October when other annuals are finished.

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers July to October.