Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa
Globe amaranth is an upright, bushy annual plant featuring vibrant, clover-like or globe-shaped flower heads in shades of purple, magenta, pink, or white, supported by stiff stems and opposite, oblong green leaves.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It exhibits good drought tolerance once established.
- Growth
- Herbaceous annual with an upright, branching growth habit. Reaches a mature height of 1 to 2 feet and a spread of 9 to 12 inches with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Plant in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote continuous flowering.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It exhibits good drought tolerance once established.
Soil
Prefers loose, well-draining loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Hardiness zone
Typically grown as an annual in USDA zones 2 through 11, though it behaves as a tender perennial in frost-free climates (zones 10-11).
Growth habit
Herbaceous annual with an upright, branching growth habit. Reaches a mature height of 1 to 2 feet and a spread of 9 to 12 inches with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms continuously from early summer through the first autumn frosts, producing papery, globe-shaped flower heads.
Propagation
Propagated easily from seeds sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Common pests & issues
Generally robust and resistant to serious pests and diseases, though overhead watering in humid conditions can occasionally lead to powdery mildew or fungal leaf spot. Ensure good air circulation.
Similar species
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), but Globe Amaranth can be distinguished by its stiffer, papery flower bracts and opposite leaves, whereas clover features alternate, trifoliate leaves.