How To Care for Globe Amaranth Plants

 

The botanical name of Globe amaranth plant is Gomphrena globosa and the plant is native to Central America but they do well in all the USDA plant hardiness zones. The Globe amaranth plant is a tender annual, but it tends to reseed itself for years of consistent blooms in the same area. Actually, growing globe amaranth plants are easy and its round blooms will attract butterflies and some important garden pollinators.

  

Information about Globe Amaranth Plant

The Globe amaranth plants also known as Gomphrena globosa can grow from six to twelve inches high. The plant actually has fine white hairs covering young growth, which matures to thick green stems. The plant leaves are oval and they arranged alternately along the stem. The blooms of globe amaranth plants actually start in June and it may last until October. The globe amaranth plant flower heads are clusters of florets that resemble large clover flowers. The flowers range in color from yellow, pink, white, and lavender. One interesting thing about this plant is that the flowers dry well. The globe amaranth plants make excellent additions to everlasting bouquets to brighten the interior of your home. Growing the globe amaranth plants from seed is common in most zones, although the plants are also readily available in most nurseries and garden centers.   

 

 Globe Amaranth Propagation

Actually growing the globe amaranth plant is not difficult at all. You can easily start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. The globe amaranth seeds will germinate faster if you soak them in water prior to planting. If you wish to sow the globe amaranth seeds outdoors, make sure you wait until the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Also choose a good site in full sun with good drainage. The globe amaranth plants will grow in almost any soil type except alkaline. The globe amaranth plants also perform best in garden soil, but you can also put them in containers. Space the plants twelve to eighteen inches apart and keep them moderately moist. The globe amaranth plants can tolerate periods of dryness, however they perform best with even moisture.

 

How to Care for Globe Amaranth Flowers

The globe amaranth plants are not susceptible to many disease or pest problems. Nevertheless, it may get powdery mildew if watered overhead. Watering the plant at the base or in the morning gives the leaves a chance to dry off and prevents this problem. The globe amaranth plants are old-fashioned additions to dried flower arrangements. The globe amaranth flowers are dried by hanging. You can easily harvest the flowers when they first open with a good length of stiff stem. You can tie the stems together and then hang the bundle in a cool, dry location. Once they are dried, they can be used with the stems or remove the flowers and add to potpourri. The globe amaranth flowers also work nicely in fresh flower arrangements. The general care of the globe amaranth flowers is the same for any cut floral. Make clean, slightly angled cuts at the ends of the stems and remove any leaves that might sit in the water. Change the water every couple of days and cut off a tiny bit of stem to open up the capillaries again. The amaranth flowers can last up to a week with good care. Expect the globe amaranth plants to die back when cold temperatures appear, but don’t get distressed! In nearly all USDA zones, the globe amaranth seeds that set after the flower is spent will germinate in soils after winter.