Globe Amaranth, Brazilian Native

Gomphrena holds a celebrated place in both cutting gardens and artisan floral design thanks to its incredible vase life and unmatched color retention when dried.

• Papery, Non-Fading Bracts: What appear to be delicate petals are actually stiff, papery bracts surrounding tiny, hidden flowers. These colorful bracts retain their vibrant saturation for months—even years—after being cut and dried.
• Heat & Drought Champion: Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, Globe Amaranth thrives during midsummer heatwaves that cause other cut flowers to wilt, making it a reliable workhorse in sunny landscapes.
• Versatile Floral Medium: Fresh stems bring whimsical, button-like texture and clean geometric contrast to mixed bouquets. Dried, they are the gold standard for long-lasting wreaths, potpourri, shadow boxes, and winter tabletop displays.
• Pollinator Magnet: The nectar-rich clover heads are irresistible to small butterflies, honeybees, native bees, and hummingbirds all season long.

"Gomphrena is the undisputed champion of the midsummer garden. When July heat sets in and cool-season flowers check out, Globe Amaranth hits its stride with cheerful, button-bright blooms on stems that sway playfully in every breeze. Best of all, hanging bundles upside down in the shed gives you rich, papery blossoms that look just as brilliant on your Thanksgiving mantle as they did in the garden."

• Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting to soften the fibrous seed coating. Light aids germination; press seeds lightly into moist seed-starting mix and cover with only a dusting of soil.
• Transplanting: Move outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures consistently remain above 55°F. Space plants 10–12 inches apart in well-draining soil in full sun.
• Drying for Crafts: Harvest stems in the morning when the flower globes are fully formed and saturated in color, but before the bottom bracts begin to brown. Strip all leaves, bundle 10–15 stems with a rubber band, and hang upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space for 2–3 weeks.