Gomphrena pulchella ‘Fireworks’ is a spectacular tall-growing globe amaranth with vivid magenta-pink flower heads tipped with tiny flashes of golden yellow. Slender stems rise above fresh green foliage, creating an airy, architectural display that appears to sparkle throughout the summer.
Exceptionally productive and tolerant of heat and dry conditions once established, it is an outstanding cut flower for fresh bouquets and dried arrangements. The long-lasting blooms retain their vibrant colour beautifully when dried, making them perfect for everlasting floral designs.
When to Sow: Feb–Ap indoors or May outdoors
HOW TO SOW:
Before sowing, seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to help improve germination.
Sow Indoors – Sow onto the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost and cover lightly with vermiculite or a fine layer of compost. Keep at 20–24°C until germination. Transplant seedlings individually once they are large enough to handle and grow on in bright, warm conditions. Harden off gradually before planting outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Sow Direct – Sow thinly into prepared, well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Cover lightly, keep moist during germination and thin seedlings to their final spacing. Indoor sowing is generally more reliable in the UK.
Classification: Half-Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 1–3 Weeks
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well-drained
Care: Water regularly while plants are establishing. Once established, plants tolerate heat and short dry Times well. Pinch out the growing tips when plants reach approximately 15–20 cm to encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems. Harvest or deadhead regularly to maintain flower production.
Use: Cut Flower Gardens, Dried Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Prairie Planting, Gravel Gardens, Pollinator Gardens
Harvesting: For fresh arrangements, cut when the flower heads are fully coloured and well formed. For dried flowers, harvest before the heads begin to fade, remove the leaves and hang small bunches upside down in a warm, dark and well-ventilated place.
Days to Maturity: Approximately 90–110 Days
Flowering Time: Jul–Oct
Vase Life: 14–16 Days
Height: 90–120 cm
Plant Spacing: 30 cm