A popular ornamental plant celebrated for its distinctive, long-lasting blooms, Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is an annual species that brings vibrant color and unique texture to garden spaces throughout the warmer months.
Understanding Gomaz
Globe Amaranth is a tropical annual plant native to Central America, specifically regions like Guatemala, Panama, and Brazil. Its name, “globe amaranth,” accurately describes its most striking feature: dense, clover-like flowerheads. These globular structures are not true flowers but rather colorful, papery bracts.
These showy bracts typically measure between 1.5 to 2 inches across and come in a diverse palette of colors. Shades range from vibrant pinks, purples, and whites to striking reds, oranges, and lilacs. The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, nestled within these prominent bracts.
Globe Amaranth typically grows as a compact, upright annual, reaching heights between 1 to 4 feet, with a spread of about 0.5 to 3 feet, depending on the specific cultivar. Its stems are often branched, and the leaves are narrow and oblong, arranged oppositely along the stems, sometimes appearing hairy. Valued for its continuous blooming, it is a favored choice for beds, borders, containers, and rock gardens. It is also widely used in fresh and dried floral arrangements due to its ability to retain color and shape.
Cultivating Gomaz
Globe Amaranth thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure abundant flowering. While it can tolerate some partial shade, flowering may be less prolific.
The plant is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. Good drainage is important to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant’s root system. An ideal soil pH for Globe Amaranth ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, typically between 6.1 and 7.5.
Planting should occur after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently, ideally between 65°F and 70°F. Seeds can be started indoors approximately six to eight weeks before the last frost date, with soaking seeds for one to two days potentially aiding germination. Alternatively, seeds can be direct-sown outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
When planting seedlings or transplants, space them about 8 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. After planting, consistent moisture is beneficial during the initial establishment phase, particularly for germinating seeds and young seedlings.
Ongoing Gomaz Care and Troubleshooting
Once established, Globe Amaranth exhibits good drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for many gardens. While mature plants can withstand dry periods, they benefit from consistent moisture, especially during prolonged dry spells, with watering best directed at the soil line to keep foliage dry.
This plant is not a heavy feeder and generally requires minimal fertilization. Providing too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production, resulting in weaker stems. For a continuous display of blooms, regularly cutting flowers for arrangements or deadheading spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers and maintain a bushier form. Pinching back young plants can also promote branching and a more compact shape.
Globe Amaranth is generally resistant to most common insect pests. However, under certain conditions, it may encounter aphids, spider mites, or thrips, which can be managed with appropriate horticultural practices. The plant also shows good disease resistance. Issues like powdery mildew or fungal leaf spots can occur, particularly during periods of cool, damp weather. Ensuring good air circulation around plants helps prevent these fungal problems.
For gardeners wishing to save seeds for future seasons, allow some flower heads to fully dry on the plant at the end of the blooming season. The tiny seeds are located at the base of the papery bracts and can be collected by gently rubbing the dried flower heads. Ensure the collected seeds are thoroughly dry before storing them in a cool, dark, and dry location.