Care of the plant Gomphrena globosa or Globe amaranth |
The genus Gomphrena, family Amaranthaceae, comprises 130 species of flowering plants native to Central and South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Some species are: Gomphrena globosa, Gomphrena haageana, Gomphrena perennis. Common name: Globe amaranth. This species is native to Central America. They are annual plants that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. They have pubescent lanceolate leaves. They bloom in summer. They produce tiny flowers gathered in terminal heads and covered with white, yellow, pink or purple bracts. Globe amaranth is used to form mixed borders, for pots on balconies and terraces and for dry flower. It's not recommended for coastal gardens. Gomphrena globosa needs a sunny exposure and annual average temperatures of 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF). The soil should be of medium texture, well drained, and contain manure or compost. If it's grown in a pot the soil can be a mixture of 1 part sand, 2 parts peat and 3 parts of heather soil. Transplant in late winter. Water moderately throughout the year waiting for the substrate to dry. Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during the flowering season. Gomphrena globosa is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Globe amaranth propagates by seeds sown in the seedbed in autumn. |
Images of the plant Gomphrena globosa or Globe amaranth |