Gomphrena Seeds – “Gomphrena globosa”

Gomphrena (Gomphrena globosa) is a heat-loving annual known for its vibrant, globe-shaped flowers. A favourite in both fresh and dried arrangements, this easy-to-grow plant thrives in tough conditions and delivers colour, texture, and long-lasting performance in the garden or vase.

🌱 Growing Conditions

✅ Plant Size:

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Width: 25–35 cm

✅ Climate:

• Thrives in warm to hot climates; perfect for spring through late summer planting in South Africa.

• Heat- and drought-tolerant — ideal for Lowveld, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and KZN coast.

• Not frost-tolerant — plant after danger of frost has passed.

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining soil with moderate fertility

• Enrich with compost for best results

• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Avoid heavy or overly rich soils which encourage too much leafy growth

✅ Sunlight Needs:

• Requires full sun — at least 6–8 hours daily

• The more sun, the better the flowering!

🌸 Planting Instructions

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Spring to early summer (September–December)

• Can be succession sown for extended blooming

✅ Sowing Seeds:

• Direct Sowing: Sow into well-prepared beds once soil has warmed

• Seed Trays: Sow indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, transplant when seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves

• Spacing: 20–30 cm apart to allow good airflow and bushy growth

✅ Germination Time:

• 7–14 days at 20–25°C

• Keep lightly moist but not soggy

💧 Watering & Fertilization

✅ Watering:

• Water moderately — allow top few cm of soil to dry out between waterings

• Drought tolerant once established

✅ Fertilization:

• At Planting: Add a balanced slow-release fertiliser (e.g. 3:1:5)

• During Growth: Optional feeding every 3–4 weeks; don’t overfeed

✅ Mulching:

• Use light organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

• Avoid piling mulch against stems

🐛 Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

• Aphids – treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed

• Spider mites in hot, dry areas – manage with regular misting or natural predators

✅ Common Diseases:

• Generally disease-resistant

• Root rot if overwatered or in poorly drained soil

🌼 Flowering & Maintenance

✅ Bloom Time:

• Flowers from mid-summer through autumn

• Long flowering period — often until first frost

✅ Deadheading & Pruning:

• Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers

• Light pruning can improve shape and branching

✅ Fragrance:

• Not fragrant, but adored for its colour and texture

🌿 Garden Uses & Companion Planting

✅ Companion Plants:

• Pairs beautifully with zinnias, celosia, marigolds, cosmos, and salvias

• Great with ornamental grasses and herbs like thyme or basil

✅ Best Uses:

• Cut flower gardens — fresh or dried bouquets

• Containers and borders

• Mass plantings or pollinator gardens

• Dried flower crafts — retains colour beautifully!

💥 Why Grow Gomphrena?

✔️ Bold Colour & Texture: Bright, globe-shaped blooms that pop in the garden
✔️ Tough as Nails: Thrives in heat, drought, and poor soils
✔️ Low Maintenance: Easy to grow with minimal fuss
✔️ Excellent Cut & Dried Flower: Long vase life and perfect for drying
✔️ Pollinator Friendly: Loved by bees and butterflies

For a burst of colour and unbeatable garden performance, plant Gomphrena and enjoy vibrant colour all season long — fresh or dried, it never fades!