Gomphrena is a cute button of a flower that dries well, like celosia. I like to have it growing each year just for its drying capabilities. It is a flower that does not need a lot of extra attention, though it should be started from seed. Once it gets going, it is easy to grow.
Our Story
From the beginning of growing gomphrena, I knew that I would use it as a dried flower. While I do incorporate it into bouquets occasionally, this flower really holds its own dried. I squirrel away as much gomphrena as possible for the fall and winter when I start working with dried flowers. For more information about drying flowers, check out this post.
Care & Maintenance
Gomphrena is an annual that should be grown in the sun in well-draining soil. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Harden seedlings off before planting out. If you are growing gomphrena as a cut flower, space plants 7-8" apart. Gomphrena does not need to be pinched as it will spread out on its own. As the days get longer and hotter, gomphrena will grow higher and wider.
Harvesting
Harvest gomphrena in the morning or in the evening. If you are going to use gomphrena in arrangements, harvest into a clean bucket with clean water using clean snips. Snip the stem deep into the plant, just above a set of leaves to encourage the plant to continue to push out blooms. Harvest the blooms as they begin to open.
If you are harvesting to dry, harvest the blooms when they are fully open but before they begin to lengthen and go to seed. Make sure to strip the leaves off the stem.
Other things to consider
There are beautiful colors of gomphrena in a range of pinks, reds, purples, and white. Check out the different varieties at your favorite seed supplier.
This post is part of a year-long series on flowers and plants that we love and grow on the farm. Check out other flowers that we love.
Celosia | Zinnias | Cosmos | Sunflowers | Yarrow | Roses | Bearded Iris | Lupine | Peony