How to Grow Globe Amaranth (Beginner’s Guide)

So, you want grow some globe amaranth in your garden to spruce up the place with those, tall stems and large, bulbous globes of fluff.

Everywhere.

These plants are super beginner-friendly and low maintenance.

Anyone can grow them to enjoy their annual showing of flowers all year round.

They go well with shorter plants and can even be harvested for use in recipes.

Or dried for decorations. Or cut live for floral arrangements.

As you can see, it’s a versatile plant that offers a lot in return without asking for a lot of effort.

So, let’s dive in and learn about these gentle giants and how we can give them some TLC all around the “globe.”

(Sorry. I’ll stop.)

Quick care guide: Globe amaranth

Plant type	Annual (lower zones), perennial (higher zones)
Origin	Central America
Scientific name	Gomphrena globosa
Other names	Makhmali, vadamali, globe amaranth
Soil type	Clay, well-draining, loamy
Soil pH	6.1-7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly basic)
Sunlight requirement	Full sun
Bloom season	Spring, summer
Colors	Purple, white, pink, orange, red, green, lavender, yellow, hybrids
Max height	3 feet
Max width	3 feet
Low temperature	60F
High temperature	80F
Ideal temperature range	70-76F
Humidity	High
Watering requirements	Often during summer, keep soil moist at all times
Fertilizer requirements	None
Fertilizer NPK	14-14-14
Days until germination	2-3 weeks
Days until bloom	6-8 weeks
Speed of growth	Moderate
Hardiness zones	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Plant depth	1 centimeter (from seed)
Plant spacing	12-18 inches
Propagation	Seeds, transplants
Common pests	Aphids, thrips, slugs, snails
Common diseases	Root rot, bulb rot, powdery mildew, botrytis, blight, gray mold, leaf spot
Indoor plant	Yes (as decoration only)
Outdoor plant	Yes
Grown in container	Yes
Flowering plant	Yes
Beginner friendly	Yes
Care level	Low (very easy)
Uses	Decoration, color, centerpiece, pathing, bordering, edging, background plant, foreground plant, indoor plant, arts and crafts, edible recipes, cooking

What is globe amaranth?

Globe amaranth (gomphrena globosa) is a striking plant with flowering blooms that look like miniature pinecones.

This plant is known for its versatility given all the different places it can be planted.

Globe amaranth makes an excellent bordering plant with its unique shape and color. Their bright flowers look like stiff strawflowers surrounding a small flower on the inside.

This plant doesn’t produce flower petals, but rather, small bracts on each tip. They look like tiny tunnels that surround an even tinier white or yellow flower in the middle.

They’re truly a sight to behold- especially for those that have an eye for detail.

The plant is hardy to heat and dry conditions, and also appreciates partial to full sunlight exposure. It can also do well in a variety of different conditions, from dry environments to wet ones.

Globe amaranth also has been grown to combine different cultivars and hybrids- you’re likely to find some unique colors if you look hard enough.

The plant grows tall and upright with a flowering globe that hovers over the green foliage. Vertical branches and hairy stems are signature phenotypes.

They have cheerful blooms and are perfect for beginners. It’s easy to grow, looks good, and bobs in the wind.

They can be used indoors and outdoors as decorative plants or edibles

Types of globe amaranth

There are many different types of G. globosa and it completely depends on your preference.

Growers have hybridized this plant to almost any color you could want in your garden.

Some of the most popular cultivars are the following:

• Lavender Lady
• Ping Pong White
• Fireworks
• Ping Pong Purple
• Bicolor Rose
• All Around Purple
• Pinball Purple
• Pink Zazzle

How do you plant gomphrena globosa?

The Following are some general guidelines for growing and caring for globe amaranth.

Depending on your hardiness zone, cultivar, and local climate, your planting requirements may differ.

However, these should give you some idea of the care level involved in growing gomphrena globosa.

Hardiness zone

As with any gardening project, the first step to success is to make sure you’re in the right hardiness zone.

Globe amaranth grows best in zones 2-11 and will vary as a perennial or annual depending on which zone you’re in.

• In lower zones (2-7), it grows as an annual. It’ll continue to produce blossoms throughout the summer until the first frost date. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy it and watch it bloom. You can harvest the seeds to replant them again next season.
• In higher zones (8-11), globe amaranth can be grown as a perennial. The mild winters allow it to go dormant and then come back next season in the spring.

A note on propagation: Globe amaranth can be self-sowing (meaning it germinates its seeds without you doing anything), but the germination rate is extremely low. For a higher germ rate, stick with transplants rather than starting from seed.

Propagating

There are two ways to propagate globe amaranth:

• Starting from seed
• Starting with a transplant

If you’re new to this plant, I suggest going with a transplant from your local nursery. Get a flat of them to start off your garden.

Transplanting globe amaranth is nothing special. Just dig a hole as deep and wide as the container it comes in. Then move it into the soil. Water generously the first time and follow to a regular schedule afterward.

But if you don’t mind waiting and have a lot of patience, using a seed packet will reward your efforts.

Let’s cover starting from seed, since that’s the confusing one.

How do you plant amaranth seeds from globes?

Globe amaranth takes a long time to produce from seed.

It has a low germination rate, meaning that the majority of the seeds won’t produce any plants. And even the ones that do sprout will take a long time to fully grow and produce those pretty globes.

However, if you want to go this route, the process is as follows. Use these steps to guide you.

Note: You need to look up your spring first date before starting.

Seeds need to be sown indoors about 2 months before the frost date, or else you’ll end up with late blooms that overlap into the wintertime and cut the blossoming period short.

This applies to both perennials and annuals. So it doesn’t matter which zone you’re in. Higher zones may be able to prolong the blossoms.

1. First, empty your seed packet and soak the seeds in a shallow bowl overnight. This should be done before planting to start the germination process. This should take at least 8 hours.
2. Get a seed starter tray with a plastic cover to trap humidity. You can find these for cheap in 12-48 compartments at most hardware stores. If you have egg crates, you can use them as a DIY seed starter.
3. Fill each compartment with some potting mix. General potting mix is fine at this point. Clay soil also works.
4. Take your seeds and put 5 into each compartment. Some guides will only recommend 2-3 seeds, but with their low germination rates, you shouldn’t expect them all to sprout.
5. Besides, if two or more sprout per compartment, that’s fine. You can thin or move them later.
6. Backfill with a thin layer of soil. No need to push down on the seeds or soil. This will compact it and make them work extra hard to sprout.
7. Water generously the first time around to establish water pathways. Cover with the humidity dome or plastic cover. If you’re using egg crates, you can use saran wrap and poke holes in it as a makeshift humidity dome cover.
8. The seeds take about 2-3 weeks to germinate. Keep it moist and water as needed. Don’t soak the soil. It should be moist, but not wet.
9. After they start to sprout, you can start thinning each compartment to just one plant. Do this when they show their first true pair of leaves.
10. Continue to water and watch for any signs of mold or rot. They should be eliminated as soon as you see them.
11. When the first spring frost is over, you can start temperature acclimation. Bring the entire seed tray outdoors for 3-6 hours a day, then bring them back in at night. Repeat this process for a week.
12. After you’ve acclimated them, you can start transplanting them directly into the soil or containers.

If you decide to container plant, they should be deep and tall to give them plenty of space for their roots to develop.

Remember that container plants are different from soil plants and will need high-quality soil that drains well. The watering, fertilizing, and harvesting schedules are also different.

It requires different care compared to direct soil planting. More on this later.

For garden planting, space each plant as deep as the container it comes in. If you’re planting from seed, minimal soil is needed on top. Less than a centimeter is enough.

Space each plant at least 12 inches apart for optimal growth and to minimize competitionl.

If you’re in a higher hardiness zone and growing amaranth as perennials, you may not get blooms during the first season.

You can direct sow if you’re in a higher zone (9-11) with mild frost.

For lower zones, you must wait until the first frost of the spring has passed, or else you may kill all the sprouts.

Let’s talk about the plant’s requirements.

Soil

Use well-draining soil for planting.

Globe amaranth is tolerant of organic soils to lower quality ones, so you’re flexible in that nature.

They can grow in loamy soils, clay soils, or generic garden soil. As long as it drains, you’re golden.

Keep the pH around 6-7. This plant likes slightly acidic soil but can tolerate a very small degree of alkaline (or basic) soil.

You can use soil amendments like lime to help adjust the pH to the desired level. Some soils are already premixed with a pH default which makes it extra handy to get the right level.

Each globe amaranth will sprout a very long root and will need at least 18 inches for best results. When you first transplant the sprouts, give them plenty of depth to grow.

This doesn’t mean you should dig the hole 18 inches deep. It means there should be at least 18 inches of space below the initial hole you dig when you transplant.

Over time, they’ll grow these long roots and it makes it difficult to relocate them. So it’s best to get it right the first time.

If you’re growing seeds directly into the garden, space each seed 12 inches apart. Sow each seed about a centimeter in depth. That’s it. Globe amaranth doesn’t need a lot of soil over the seeds.

These tender annuals will reseed on their own for consistent blooms, so space them accordingly.

Each plant is expected to reach 12” max.

Sunlight

Provide plenty of sunlight. Full sun does best. Partial sunlight is acceptable in hotter areas.

The shade will make the plant bloom less and also thinner as they try to grow outwards towards the sunlight.

Expect blooms in the early summer until late fall.

Use it with shorter plants that compliment or match the globes. Birds, bees, and other beneficial critters will flock to your yard.

Temperature

Globe amaranth does well in most climates and isn’t picky. It does best in warmer, wet conditions with high humidity. It’s a tropical plant after all. Keep it around the mid 70s (70-75F) for best results.

Humidity

This plant likes higher humidity, but don’t overwater it. Use a DIY humidity dish. Be sure to prune to prevent mildew or fungal problems.

Watering

When watering, aim the water at the base of the plant and avoid getting the blossom or leaves wet.

Water often keeps the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Keep watering on a schedule. Use your finger to feel the top few inches of soil. It should be moist, but not wet.

Don’t let it go dry between waterings. Increase watering during the summertime to encourage blooms.

However, don’t overwater because it may cause your new sprout to damp off, which is caused by a bacterium in the soil.

If you’re growing in a container, ensure that it has multiple drainage holes to eliminate excess water. Water no more than 2 inches of water per week.

Respect rainfall and total that into the watering schedule. Try to keep the moisture in the air and humidity high. This is a tropical plant, so it likes high humidity with heat as well.

Plant food

Globe amaranth doesn’t need fertilizer, but it helps if you supplement with some plant food to encourage blooms. Use an organic fertilizer if possible and look for an NPK of 14-14-14 or 12-12-12.

Choose a low nitrogen fertilizer for best results because N grows the leaves, not the flowers. If your plant has weak or yellowing leaves, using a high nitrogen fertilizer helps bring them back to a lush green.

Excess plant food produces a lot of leaves. If you want more flowers, use less fertilizer or get rid of them completely. It dies back in the cold, but the seeds will give rise to another season of gorgeous, pretty globes.

Pruning and maintenance

Prune the first flower buds that you notice to help decrease thin plants.

If left intact, you may end up with thinner plants rather than the full bushier look that many people prefer.

Some plants may need to be supported with a trellis or stake if leggy.

Deadhead flowers help prevent legginess and produce more blooms. Even if it feels wrong to deadhead your globes, it helps produce more of those pretty blossoms throughout the growing season.

You can cut down at the stem right below the flower bud right where they connect. This helps get a clean cut. Use sterilized scissors or pruners to help prevent bacterial or viral infections.

Don’t feel bad if you deadhead it. You’re only helping the plant!

Trim the first buds and trim some flowers here and there. The flowering season ranges from June to October with fine white hairs covering the younger leaves at first. Note that the leaves are oval and grow alternatively.

Harvesting

Globe amaranth can be harvested in its entirety. Some people eat the plant. Yes, the roots, seeds, flowers, and leaves are all SAID to be edible, but some people only use the seeds as a grain.

Whether you decide to eat it or not is up to you. Do your research as some people may have reactions to consuming globe amaranth. The leaves and stems are considered to be edible but need to be boiled first because of the oxalic acid.

Other than eating it, you can harvest it for a decorative centerpiece. It can be dried for arts and crafts or put into an arrangement inside your house.

The dye of the blossom also makes a nice food dye to color drinks, teas, cakes, and more.

The roots can be eaten like any other veggie in soups or salads. They go limp really quick, so consume immediately.

The flower heads can be collected just like as you would deadhead them. Pinch them at the base where the globe meets the stem and use them as you wish.

Sprouts can also be harvested then eaten when they’re young. The roots and seeds can be used in soups, salads, teas, and more.

The stems can be cut when the globe opens up. You can keep the globe on it and use it like a bouquet or some other decoration. Some people also use them for tea or dye.

Do your research if you plan to eat it. Some people may be sensitive to this plant.

The plant should be rinsed and cleaned before you use it in any recipe.

How to harvest globe amaranth seeds

G. globosa is a versatile plant, given that the seeds can be used to propagate future generations.

The seeds are best harvested when the globes turn tan and dry up.

Prune them off and shake the seeds out. This can get messy, so do it over a collection bin or tub.

Seeds that are gathered can be stored for next year.

But note that they have low germ rates and hybridized globe amaranth have even lower rates. They also may not look like their original plants, so it could be something completely different when it does sprout.

Store in a jar that’s airtight out of sunlight or moisture. They can be kept up to 12 months or so, which is plenty of time for next season. Before planting again, check for mold. Dispose of if infested.

Best uses

There are many different uses for this versatile plant. Everything from bordering, edging, or as a centerpiece for your garden can be done.

Given the wide assortment of colors, heights, and coverage, globe amaranth can be used with freedom.

The taller variants can be used for flower beds, rock gardens, or large pots outdoors. They can also be harvested and trimmed for decorations and DIY crafts when they dry.

Container planting with G. globosa can also be done. Imagine a tall globe sticking out of a pot. How cool is that?

You can also use them as decorative pieces for indoor centerpieces and arrangements.

Once cut, they can be placed into a vessel for a lasting effect.

When you dry the globe, they last even longer. They work nicely in fresh or dried arrangements like wreaths. Care is exactly like any other floral decoration.

Fresh cut ones can be placed into a container with water changes every other day. They last up to 7 days in a vase. Pop them in there and put them wherever you want to add some cheer.

Dried ones can be kept anywhere that’s dry. They turn stiff after being dried out and can be tied together for crafts.

When dried, strip the stems of the leaves and tie the stems.

Hang them upside down. Check back in a few weeks. They’ll dry up to a crisp, but retain their colors.

That’s pretty cool.

Lastly, globe amaranth attracts various critters to your garden.

You can use it as bait to bring in bees, birds, butterflies, plus other critters to help pollinate your other plants.

Pests

Globe amaranth is a hardy plant.

You should expect to catch a few of the common garden culprits like aphids, thrips, slugs, snails, pigweed weevils, and the whole gang.

They can be controlled with regular pruning, hosing off, and keeping the plant dry.

Diseases

This plant is vulnerable to rot and signal problems.

Given that it’s a high humidity tropical plant, poor air circulation will cause rot.

Some common problems are powdery mildew, root rot, wet rot, Rhizoctonia spp., Pythium spp., anthracnose, damping off, botrytis blight, Cercospora leaf spot, gray mold.

Provide adequate sunlight to dry up water pools and prune regularly to reduce rot.

Other common questions about globe amaranth care

Here are some other tips and tricks for globe amaranth care asked by readers.

Does globe amaranth reseed itself?

G. globosa will reseed itself by self-sowing seeds in the winter.

But you should note that the seeds have a low germination rate and only a small portion will come back next spring.

So even though it technically does reseed, it won’t produce tons of new plants.

You’re free to collect the seeds and then store them in a mason jar until the next growing season if you wish.

Can you grow this plant in a container?

Globe amaranth can be grown inside a container if it’s well-draining. Use clay-based soil and keep the pH acidic. Water on a schedule and give it plenty of humidity.

Check on the soil to make sure it doesn’t waterlog. Check for mildew on the leaves or root rot. Replace the container as it outgrows it.

Just make sure the container allows at least 18 inches of vertical space for the root system. This plant grows tall and deep, so give it the space it needs. Plant one per container only.

What grows well with globe amaranth?

Pair globe amaranth with other plants that have similar requirements to thrive.

Some companion plants include marigold, salvia, celosia, zinnias, or petunias. The papery globes are excellent as backdrop plants when paired with shorter ones. Don’t be afraid to get a little wild.

After all, we all need to take some risks, right?

Do you deadhead Gomphrena globosa?

Regular pruning and cutting the flower off will help encourage more blossoms.

Remember to do a clean cut where the flower meets the stem- not on the flower itself.

Deadheading should be done periodically to help your plant grow larger, more voluminous blooms.

Is globe amaranth an annual or perennial?

Globe amaranth can be both.

This depends on your local hardiness zone. If you’re in a lower zone, it’ll be an annual.

You can harvest the seeds to plant them again next year.

If you’re in a zone with mild winters, this plant is perennial.

Further reading

Some additional references to help you care for your plant:

• Globe Amaranth, Gomphrena globosa – Wisconsin Horticulture
• Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth, Globe Flower)

Enjoy your globe-shaped blossoms

You now have all the knowledge you need to grow and care for globe amaranth at home.

Enjoy those large, colorful globes and textures all year round.

Cut them for flower arrangements. Use them as a border or edging plant. Or just slice one piece off for the dinner table.

What do you think? Have any tips to share with other gardeners? Drop a comment below and let us know.