How to Grow Globe Amaranth from Seed? Detailed Guide to Sowing Methods and Timing

Globe amaranth is a common flower in tropical and subtropical regions, native to tropical America. It is an annual upright herbaceous plant in the genus Gomphrena of the Amaranthaceae family. It is widely grown south of the Yangtze River in China. Its flower heads last a long time without fading, and besides being used in flower beds and potted displays, it can also be used to make decorations such as wreaths and flower baskets. Let's take a look below at how to grow globe amaranth from seed!

Sowing Time

Globe amaranth seeds are usually collected from September to October, sown from April to May, and transplanted in June. The seedlings grow slowly. In spring, sow from April to May in an open-air seedbed. The suitable temperature for sowing is 20-25°C.

Seed Treatment

Because globe amaranth seeds are densely covered with fine hairs, they emerge slowly. To speed up emergence, scarification treatment should be carried out before sowing. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for one day or in cold water for two days, then squeeze out the water, let them dry slightly, and mix them with plant ash or fine sand at 2-3 times the amount of the seeds to loosen them and make sowing easier.

Sowing Method

Globe amaranth seeds are relatively large, about 400 seeds per gram. An ordinary sowing bed can be used. It is best to choose a plot of sandy loam soil with plenty of sunlight, a high groundwater table, good drainage, and loose, fertile soil as the seedbed.

Post-Sowing Management

After sowing globe amaranth, cover lightly with soil and keep the temperature at 20-25°C. Seedlings can emerge in about 10-15 days. After the seedlings have all emerged, thin them once so they have some room to grow and do not shade each other. After thinning, water with a 1000-fold urea solution, and after fertilizing, spray the leaves promptly to prevent the fertilizer from burning the seedlings.