Also known as Globe Amaranth · 70 saves
Gomphrena
Gomphrena, the genus most gardeners know as globe amaranth. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Gomphrena varieties
Browse all 7 Gomphrena varieties →
3 species of Gomphrena
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gomphrena in Sow
Save the Gomphrena you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gomphrena
Whats common across all Gomphrena varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Gomphrena year
- PlantApril and May71% of varieties
Plant transplants or sow seeds directly after all danger of frost has passed
- HarvestJune–September71% of varieties
Cut stems when flowers are fully open for fresh arrangements or drying
- Pinch TipsMay43% of varieties
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more stems
- FertilizeMay–July43% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
Do
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily 🌞
- Water deeply but infrequently to prevent fungal issues
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t overcrowd plants to ensure good air circulation
What goes wrong with Gomphrena
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and use horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
| Root rot | Yellowing and collapse where the root zone stays wet | Plant into free-draining soil and cut back on irrigation |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Space plants for air movement and avoid overhead watering |
Making more Gomphrena
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks until germination occurs.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after they develop true leaves.
Cuttings
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain humidity and wait 4-6 weeks for roots to establish.
Gomphrena questions
How many types of Gomphrena are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Gomphrena varieties. The most popular — ranked by 70 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gomphrena grow in?
Across its varieties, Gomphrena covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gomphrena bloom?
Most Gomphrena varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer to fall, summer to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gomphrena should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.