Gomphrena ‘QIS Carmine’, also known as Globe Amaranth, is a vibrant annual flower with distinctive globe-shaped, carmine-red blooms. It adds a striking burst of color to any garden setting. Valued for its long-lasting nature, it provides continuous visual interest throughout the growing season. This easy-to-grow annual is a popular choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and resilience.
Cultivating Gomphrena QIS Carmine
Gomphrena ‘QIS Carmine’ thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sun exposure daily for abundant blooms. Well-draining soil is important for its health, as it does not tolerate soggy conditions. Average to moderately fertile garden soil is suitable, though it is not particular about soil type or pH.
Consistent moisture is beneficial, especially during initial growth. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, aiming to water at the soil line to keep foliage dry and prevent leaf spot issues. Although it exhibits some drought tolerance once established, regular watering promotes vigorous growth and flowering.
For planting, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date; direct seeding is generally not advised. Sow seeds approximately 1/8 inch deep, maintaining a soil temperature between 70-78°F (21-26°C) for optimal germination (5-14 days). Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, as this plant prefers warm temperatures and is tender. Space individual plants 6-12 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth, as they can reach a mature height of 18-28 inches.
Ongoing Plant Care
Fertilization should be approached with moderation; an all-purpose or bloom-boosting fertilizer can be applied during the growing season following manufacturer recommendations. Excessive nitrogen can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers, so a balanced approach is best.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is an effective practice to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. While not strictly necessary for the plant’s survival, regularly trimming off faded flower heads promotes the development of new blossoms and maintains a tidy appearance. Light pruning can also be performed to shape the plant if desired, or to encourage more branching by cutting low and deep into the plant.
Gomphrena ‘QIS Carmine’ is a low-maintenance plant with good resistance to most common pests and diseases. Providing adequate air circulation helps prevent issues like leaf spot. Its hardiness makes it a resilient choice, enduring hot and humid conditions with minimal problems.
Versatile Uses
Gomphrena ‘QIS Carmine’ offers numerous applications in the garden and beyond, appealing to a variety of aesthetic and practical needs. Its upright growth habit and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for garden borders, mass plantings, or as a vibrant filler in mixed beds. It also performs well in containers, serving as a “thriller” element in arrangements due to its striking color and upright form.
The blooms of ‘QIS Carmine’ are highly valued as cut flowers, offering excellent stem length and a long vase life for fresh arrangements. Harvesting stems when the flowers are fully colored but before they are completely open can prolong their freshness. Adding a flower preservative to the water can further extend their display.
Beyond fresh arrangements, Gomphrena ‘QIS Carmine’ is particularly popular for dried floral crafts. Its papery blooms retain their vibrant carmine-red color remarkably well when dried. To dry the flowers, harvest them when they are fully open and their stems are stiff, then hang them upside down in a dim location with good air circulation until completely dry.