How to grow globe amaranth? A detailed guide to the latest planting methods
Globe amaranth, also known as hundred-day red, fireball flower, etc., is an annual upright herbaceous plant of the genus Gomphrena in the Amaranthaceae family, native to tropical America, and a common flower in tropical and subtropical regions. Its flowers are brightly colored and glossy, and after drying the flowers do not wither and remain unchanged for a long time. Besides being used for flower beds and potted landscapes, it can also be used for wreaths, flower baskets and other decorations. Now let us take a look at how to grow globe amaranth!
Growth habits of globe amaranth
Globe amaranth is originally a common flower in tropical and subtropical regions, and is widely grown south of the Yangtze River in China. It is not strict about environmental requirements, likes sunlight, is robust by nature, matures early, tolerates dry heat and drought, is not cold-tolerant, and fears waterlogging. It prefers loose, fertile soil. The optimum growth temperature is 20-25°C, and it also grows well within the range of 35-40°C. When the winter temperature falls below 10°C, the plants grow poorly or suffer cold damage. It is robust and tolerant of pruning; after flowering, pruning can stimulate new branches to sprout and continue blooming. The flowering period is from July to October.
Propagation methods of globe amaranth
1. Seed propagation: Collect seeds of globe amaranth from September to October, sow from April to May, and transplant in June. The seedlings grow slowly. Sow in open-field seedbeds in spring from April to May, with an optimum sowing temperature of 20-25°C. Because the seeds are covered with fine hairs, emergence is slow. To promote faster emergence, carry out pregermination treatment before sowing. It is best to choose a seedbed with sufficient sunlight, a high groundwater table, good drainage, and loose, fertile sandy loam soil. After sowing, cover lightly with soil and keep the temperature at 20-25°C; emergence occurs in about 10-15 days.
2. Cutting propagation: For globe amaranth cuttings, cut vigorous shoot tips in June to July, about 3-6 cm long, that is, 3-4 nodes is suitable. Remove the leaves from the internodes inserted into the soil layer to reduce water evaporation from the leaf surface. Insert into a sand bed and keep the temperature at 20-25°C. After insertion, they can be transplanted into pots in 18-20 days. If the temperature is below 20°C, the number of days for rooting will be delayed by 5-7 days.
Planting methods of globe amaranth
1. Timely fertilization: In addition to using decomposed chicken manure as a base fertilizer at transplanting, globe amaranth should also be top-dressed once every half month during the vigorous growth stage with a dilute liquid fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium.
2. Reasonable watering: Globe amaranth likes a slightly moist, on the dry side soil environment and is relatively drought-tolerant. Therefore, after the young seedlings grow new leaves again, watering should be controlled appropriately. After the plants undergo flower bud differentiation, appropriately increase the amount of watering to facilitate normal flower growth.
3. Light management: Globe amaranth likes a sunny environment. During cultivation, ensure the plants receive no less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. The cultivation site must not be too shady, otherwise the plants will grow slowly and the flower color will be dull.
4. Timely pinching: When planting globe amaranth, pinch once when the seedlings are 15 cm tall to promote branching. After that, decide whether to carry out a second pinching according to the growth situation.
5. Shaping and pruning: When shaping and pruning globe amaranth, attention should be paid to rounding and shaping the plant so that globe amaranth has higher ornamental value. After the plant has taken shape, pinching the branches can effectively control the flowering period.
6. Flowering period management: After the flowers of globe amaranth open, it is enough to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Be careful not to spray water on the flowers, stop top-dressing fertilizer, and maintain normal light. After flowering, prune promptly so that new branches can grow and bloom again.
7. Disease control: Globe amaranth is prone to damping-off disease at the seedling stage. For control, 5-6 days before sowing, treat the seedbed with a 1500-fold dilution of Likuoning, or use a 1000-fold dilution of Likuoning to drench the roots of diseased plants.