Common globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is an edible flowering plant native to Central America. Other common names for common globe amaranth are the makhmali and vadamalli. Common globe amaranth is commonly cultivated in landscaping for its bright colors, and is used in leis in Hawaii. Common globe amaranth attracts insects, including butterflies and bees.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as globe amaranth, is an edible plant from the family Amaranthaceae. The round-shaped flower inflorescences are a visually dominant feature and cultivars have been propagated to exhibit shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, white, pink, and lilac. Within the flowerheads, the true flowers are small and inconspicuous.
Gomphrena globosa is native to Central America including regions Panama, and Guatemala, but is now grown globally. As a tropical annual plant, G. globosa blooms continuously throughout summer and early fall. It is very heat tolerant and fairly drought resistant, but grows best in full sun and regular moisture. The plant fixes carbon through the C4 pathway. At maturity, the flowerheads are approximately 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long and the plant grows up to 24 inches (61 cm) in height.
Gomphrena globosa is an outcrossing species that is pollinated by butterflies, bees, and other insects. Floral volatiles likely play a significant role in the reproductive success of the plant by promoting the attraction of pollinators.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The common globe amaranth is best grown in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Although the plant can tolerate partial shade, the flowers won’t be quite as abundant or bright.
Temperature and Humidity
Globe amaranth will grow well in virtually any climate, but don’t plant them outdoors until soil temperatures have warmed up in the spring.
Watering
Although the common globe amaranth is drought-tolerant, it does best when regularly watered, especially during hot and dry spells. Wait until the topsoil is dry to the touch before watering, and only provide enough water to saturate its root zone. Over-watering can lead to yellowing and root rot, so only water your common globe amaranth when it needs it.
Soil
The common globe amaranth isn’t picky when it comes to soil type, but does best when planted in well-drained soil with a pH of between 5.8-6.2. The plant does well even in nutritionally-poor soil, meaning that garden soil is usually sufficient.
Fertilizing
The common globe amaranth does well in nutritionally-poor soil, meaning that a fertilizer is not a must. However, applying a water-soluble fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season will encourage bigger and better blooms.
Planting Instructions
The common globe amaranth is easy to grow from seed, although seedlings can also be purchased as bedding plants. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after your last frost, or in seed trays indoors to give your plants a head start.
Sowing seeds indoors: Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost, 6 mm deep in a seed tray. Once seedlings emerge in 2 weeks, they will need to be kept on a sunny windowsill. Seedlings will need at least 2 sets of true leaves before they can be planted in the garden, and should also be hardened off first.
Sowing seeds in the garden: Wait until there is no more danger of frost and sow seeds in a sunny location in well-drained soil, 6 mm deep. Once seedlings reach 2.5 to 5 cm in height, thin so that they are around 25 cm apart.
Planting in the garden: Choose a sunny location in your garden and plant on a cloudy day or in the evening, to prevent transplant shock. Dig a hole large enough for your plant’s root ball, and then gently place your plant in. Fill in and firm the soil down, watering thoroughly afterwards. Applying a light mulch will help to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Leave around 18 to 30 cm between each plant.
Pruning
Pruning the common globe amaranth is easy and should be done in early spring. Simply cut away any deformed or damaged branches, or those that are growing too densely together. Pinching off branch tips will encourage a bushier growth habit – this is something that can be done once a month.
Propagation
Don’t be surprised if you find that the cut flowers have started to root in the vase when you discard your flower arrangement; that’s how easy these plants are to grow. However, the recommended propagation method is from seed. While you can collect seeds from your plants at the end of the season, the seeds from cultivars do not produce a plant that is true to the parent so you might be better off by purchasing seeds. The plants will also freely self-seed in the garden, though again these volunteers might not look the same, and it will take some time for them to mature in the spring.
Potting and Repotting
Globe amaranth works well in container gardens as a tall accent plant. Combine it with a mounding plant such as vinca, and a trailing plant such as petunias for a full, lush look. Plant it in a container with large drainage holes and keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil.
Globe amaranth won’t need repotting during its single season.
Overwintering
Globe amaranth is a true annual whose life cycle only spans one growing season in all climate zones. The spent plants are pulled and discarded in the fall.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
It is virtually pest-free, but powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem on crowded plants. Wet conditions can also lead to gray mold and fungal leaf spots.
Common Problems
This low-maintenance annual does not have any common issues. During a cool, rainy summer, it might get more powdery mildew and other fungal diseases than in warm, dry summers.
III. Types of Globe Amaranth
Although the common globe amaranth is a pleasing magenta color, there are numerous improved cultivars with a variety of heights and hues:
- ‘All Around Purple’ features compact, 3-foot tall container-ready plants with rich magenta blooms.
- ‘Bicolor Rose’ sports deep lavender flowers with a white cap.
- ‘Lavender Lady’ has dusky pink flowers that pair well with white or pastel blooms in the landscape.
- ‘QIS Formula Mix’ comprises a riot of colors which includes pink, orange, red, purple, and white blooms.
- ‘Strawberry Fields’ has bright red poms on 3-foot plants.
- ‘Fireworks’ is the hot pink globe amaranth that is different from the usual tight flower form of the typical Gomphrena, producing blooms with an open form, resembling little firecrackers.
IV. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Common globe amaranth is a common material for flower beds and borders. Prized for its tall, bright, unique blooms, this plant is a popular garden choice for its ability to attract pollinators. It is a good fit for tropical and seaside gardens and is often planted alongside plants with similar requirements and brightness, like the zinnia and celosia.
- Other uses
This plant has many different uses, but the main one is its ability to repel insects. It can be used as a natural insect repellent, food, and medicine.
Gomphrena globosa also has medicinal properties that can be used in treating various ailments such as headaches, back pain, diarrhoea, coughs and colds.
The herb also helps relieve stress and relax muscles after working out at the gym, which will help you feel better faster.
The leaves of Gomphrena globosa can be boiled in water to make a tea that aids digestion. The tea is said to relieve stomach pain from digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It also helps with indigestion, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation.
In Hawaii, it is commonly used in long-lasting leis since it retains its shape and color after drying.
In Nepal, the flower is known commonly as makhamali ful and is used to make a garland during Bhai Tika, last day of Tihar festival. The garland is put around the brother’s neck by their sister for protection. The slow withering character of the flower symbolizes a long life for the brother. The flower was included in the gift sent to Britain by Jung Bahadur Rana in 1855. This flower is known as Rakta Mallika in Sanskrit.
This plant is common in landscape design and cutting gardens for its vivid colors and color retention.
Find Where to Buy the Best Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
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