Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa
Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is an annual flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Central America (Guatemala, Panama). It grows 30–70 cm (12–28 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Globe amaranth at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 30–70 cm (12–28 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–12 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (tea) |
| Native to | Central America (Guatemala, Panama) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Globe amaranth toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Flowers are used for tea in parts of Asia and Mexico; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Globe amaranth
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Globe amaranth
- How far apart should I plant Globe amaranth?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Globe amaranth need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Globe amaranth need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Globe amaranth?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Globe amaranth flower?
- About 8–12 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks.
- Is Globe amaranth poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Flowers are used for tea in parts of Asia and Mexico; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
- What grows well with Globe amaranth?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Globe amaranth. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Frost-tender, grown as an annual outside the tropics; counted from transplant. Flowers dry well.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea