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