Gomphrena: The Cut Flower That Lasts Forever
Gomphrena (globe amaranth) is a clover-like flower that holds its color for months after cutting. It’s drought-tolerant and blooms all summer.
Gomphrena is the best dried flower. It keeps its color for years.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 7-14 |
| Days to harvest | 70-90 |
| Sun | 6-8 hours |
| Spacing | 12 inches |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Colors | Purple, pink, red, white, orange |
Why Grow It
- Long-lasting cut flower. 2-3 weeks in vase.
- Dries perfectly. Keeps color for years.
- Drought-tolerant. Thrives in heat.
- Long bloom. Summer to frost.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Slow germination. 7-14 days. Be patient. Failure 2: Leggy. Not enough sun. Failure 3: Few flowers. Too much nitrogen.
Comparison
| Variety | Height | Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gomphrena | 1-2 ft | Mixed | Standard |
| Strawberry Fields | 2 ft | Red | Larger |
| Buddy | 1 ft | Purple | Containers |
| Fireworks | 3 ft | Pink-purple | Tall |
Common Questions
How long do they last in a vase? 2-3 weeks. Longer than most cut flowers.
How do I dry them? Hang upside down in dark, dry place 2-3 weeks.
Do they attract bees? Yes. Bees and butterflies love them.
Can I grow them in containers? Yes. Dwarf varieties work.
When do I harvest? When flowers are fully open.
Do they come back every year? Annual in most climates.