Also known as Globe Amaranth · 46 gardener saves
Gomphrena: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Gomphrena, the genus most gardeners know as globe amaranth. We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Gomphrena varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGlobe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa
#2 most savedStrawberry Fields Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena haageana 'Strawberry Fields'
#3 most savedFireworks Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa 'Fireworks'
Prostrate Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena decumbens 'Airy Bachelor's Buttons'
Truffula Pink Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena pulchella 'Truffula Pink Globe Amaranth'
How to grow Gomphrena
What the Gomphrena varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Gomphrena year
- HarvestJune–September100% of varieties
Cut stems when flowers are fully open for fresh arrangements or drying
- PlantApril and May80% of varieties
Plant transplants or sow seeds directly after all danger of frost has passed
- Pinch TipsMay60% of varieties
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more stems
- FertilizeMay–July60% 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 |
| 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 |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting despite moist soil | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce 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 5 distinct Gomphrena varieties. The most popular — ranked by 46 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Gomphrena shows up in
Design with Gomphrena in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
