How to Grow Gomphrena in 4 Steps

Are you interested to know how to grow gomphrena? Gomphrena, also known as globe amaranth, looks similar to clover blossoms. When you look at them, they look like a clump of fuchsia flowers with a hint of yellow dots. However, tiny yellow “dots” are the actual gomphrena flowers, while the fuchsia bundle is stiff, paper-like bracts (or modified leaves) that support the yellow flowers.

Gomphrenas are drought-tolerant, deer-proof, and they don’t attract pests and diseases. Some gardeners plant these flowers around crops to deter deer and other pests. You can also plant them in your garden if you want to attract butterflies. Gomphrena flowers bloom during the hottest temperatures until it drops and frost occurs.

These flowers can thrive both in containers and garden beds and they don’t need much fertilizer. They can reseed by themselves, and they will bloom again in about six weeks after planting. In this way, you’ll have beautiful gomphrena flowers gracing your garden.

4 Steps in Growing Gomphrena

Growing gomphrena is relatively easy and here are four simple steps you should keep in mind:

Step #1: Sowing

Before sowing, prepare first the beds or containers where you will sow the seeds. After, sow gomphrena six to eight weeks before the last frost; the more seeds you sow the higher the chance your flowers will grow.

Gomphrenas don’t germinate fast, so it helps to have a backup container to plant more seeds in. This also increases the chances of a successful planting. After sowing, press or step on the area where you put the seeds. While gomphrenas can grow in bad soil, it’s better to ensure that the soil is healthy and well-oxygenated.

Step #2: Drying

Dry the sowed gomphrena in about two to four days to kill any possibilities of fungal spores. This step must coherently follow for best growth.

Step #3: Watering

After drying for about two to four days, hose lightly the sowed beds or containers. Always check on the flower’s condition and regularly monitor them as they are growing to achieve the best results. Water your flowers at ground level and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent leaf spots.

Step 4: Conditioning

The last step is to take proper care of your gomphrena, such as keeping the weeds under control, adding a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and maintain soil temperature, as well as adding the appropriate amount of low-rate, slow-release fertilizer.

A Few Tips on How to Grow Gomphrenas

When growing a gomphrena, like in any other plants, it’s important to good care of them. Here are some of the ways you can take care of your Gomphrenas.

Maintain a healthy growing environment for your gomphrenas by pulling out the weeds that plague your plants. Weeds can stunt the growth of your plants as they compete for water, space, and nutrients. Adding layers of mulch can also keep the weeds away and prevent their germination.

Look for pests that attack your garden while your flowers are growing. Even gomphrena are less likely to have pests, it is still important to monitor the condition of your garden’s area if it is free from pests that will ruin the entire bloom of your gomphrena.

Lastly, if you want to cut your gomphrena flowers and put them in a vase or bouquet, make sure to dry them properly. Drying it upside down is the best way to ensure that your flowers will stand upright in vases.

The Benefits of Growing Gomphrenas in a Mini Greenhouse

Planting your gomphrenas in a mini greenhouse prevents pests such as caterpillars, snails, rodents, and larger animals from munching on your blooms. It will also keep your plants safe from blight, so you don’t need to worry about other diseases that may affect your plants.

Gardeners who have limited planting or growing space can use a greenhouse to plant gomphrenas and other plants. Mini greenhouses are easy to install and you can set it up in balconies, backyards, decks, and even tabletops.

In other areas experiencing cold seasons, having a mini greenhouse is important if you are starting to grow your plants. When the weather gets better and warmer, you may opt to plant outside of your garden the healthy plants and crops from inside of your mini greenhouse.

Gardeners who live in colder regions benefit the most from mini greenhouses. With one, you can continue to plant and grow flowers and crops even if the weather is freezing by using supplemental lights and other tools. Once the weather gets warmer, you can transplant your plants outside your garden if you want to.

A mini greenhouse also protects your plants from bad weather. Snow, heavy rain, high winds, and storms can easily destroy your plants. Keeping them in a mini greenhouse ensures that they stay safe from erratic weather changes.

Final Thoughts on How to Grow Gomphrena

So, now that you know how to grow gomphrenas, the next thing left to do is to start planting! Gomphrenas are easy to grow; just make sure you plant them in a sunny location and plant them in soil that drains well. Remember not to overwater your plants as it can lead to root rot.