Melinda Myers

Gomphrena

Botanical Name

Gomphrena globosa

Hardiness

Annual

Height

6 to 24 inches

Width

8 to 18 inches

Flowers

Summer: pink, purple, white, yellow, orange

Light

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained

Planting & Care

• Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date
• Soak seeds in water for 3-4 days before sowing and cover seeds with 1/4" of soil to prevent light exposure as gomphrena needs darkness to germinate
• Seeds germinate at 70-75 degrees F, so bottom heat may be required
• Good drainage is a must for gomphrena
• Heat and somewhat drought tolerant, plants benefit from supplemental water during dry spells
• Taller varieties may need staking, pinch plants for bushier growth and sturdier stems

Problems

None serious

Varieties

• Strawberry Fields - bright red flowers, 24"
• Lavender Lady - 1.5" lavender flowers
• Fireworks - lavender-pink tipped in yellow, from a distance looks very similar to Verbena bonariensis