Purple Buddy Gomphrena Plant

Attract the butterflies to your garden this year with the Purple Buddy Gomphrena Plant. In the heat of summer, bright purple round globes rise above the medium green foliage. The flowers keep well and are a popular addition to dried arrangements. This dwarf amaranth prefers well drained soil and will even tolerate some drought, making it a perfect addition to your summer garden!

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 8-12 inches apart, depending on the variety

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.1-7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
• - Well-draining soil is crucial
• - Tolerates poor soil conditions once established

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly during establishment
• - Once established, Gomphrena is drought-tolerant
• - Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time
• - Apply a water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to reduced flowering

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Deadheading is not necessary but can promote continued blooming
• - Cut back by one-third mid-season to rejuvenate if plants become leggy
• - Excellent for dried flowers; harvest when blooms are fully open

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for aphids and spider mites in dry conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces distinctive globe-shaped flower heads
• - Blooms from summer through fall

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun for best flowering
• - Can tolerate partial shade, but may result in fewer blooms

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F
• - Excellent heat and humidity tolerance
• - Not frost-hardy; treat as an annual in colder climates

Companion Plants for Gomphrena:

• - Zinnias: Offers similar sun and heat tolerance with a variety of flower shapes
• - Salvia: Provides vertical interest and attracts pollinators
• - Lantana: Offers contrasting flower clusters and thrives in similar conditions
• - Celosia: Adds unique flower shapes and complements Gomphrena's globe-shaped blooms
• - Marigolds: Provides complementary colors and similar durability in hot conditions