NAME AQSA NOOR

AG # 2019-AG-8134

COURSE CODE HORT-609

COURSE TITLE COMMERCIAL FLOWER PRODUCTION

SECTION: B

SUBMITTED TO: DR.IFTIKHAR AHMAD

ASSIGNMENT# 1
GOMPHRENA FLOWER
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION WITH ORIGIN
Botanical Description
Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as globe amaranth, is an edible plant from the
family Amaranthaceae. The round-shaped flower inflorescences are a visually dominant
feature and cultivars have been propagated to exhibit shades of magenta, purple, red,
orange, white, pink, and lilac. As a tropical annual plant, G. globosa blooms continuously
throughout summer and early fall. It is very heat tolerant and fairly drought resistant, but
grows best in full sun and regular moisture. Within the flowerheads, the true flowers are
small and inconspicuous.
ORIGIN
• Gomphrena globosa is native to Central America including regions Panama, and
Guatemala, but is now grown globally. At maturity, the flowerheads are approximately
4cm long and the plant grows up to 24 inches in height.
CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Gomphrena
Species: G. globosa
HISTORY
• A native of Central and South America, Gomphrena has been planted in ornamental
gardens for centuries. Although not native to this country, it has a long history of use in
North American gardens.  Introduced in Europe in 1714, this plant found its way to
Virginia as early as 1737. John Custis grew it in his Williamsburg garden that year.
Thomas Jefferson first planted the seeds at Shadwell, his boyhood home, on April 2,
1767. It continues to be grown at Monticello to this day and is one of the most asked-
about flowers in the Monticello gardens.  
USES
• Gomphrena is reputed to have a number of beneficial health benefits.
• It has long been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of illnesses such as diabetes,
coughs, and urinary retention.
• Flower is used to make a garland for brothers day in Nepal.
• It is a popular commercial flower used as cut flowers.
• Its use in treating hypertension
SOIL AND CLIMATE REQUIREMENTS
• Tropical and subtropical
• It grows well in any type of light and well drained garden soil cannot stand water
logging and prefers open sunny situation.
• pH 5.8 to 6.2.
MOISTURE:
• Globe amaranth will survive drought, but performs best with regular watering, especially
during hot weather.
PRODUCTION
TIME:
• Sow gomphrena seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost into pre-moistened seed-
starting mix. Seedlings will emerge on average after 7–14 days, although using a heat
mat will speed germination.
METHOD:
• In cut flower production, gomphrena are grown spaced 6-8″ apart rather than the
recommended 12-18″ to force longer stems. They do well as both a fresh cut flower and
dried flower.
PROPAGATION
• Propagation of Gomphrena is done by seeds.
• Seed rate 2kg/ha
• Seeds are sown in nursery beds, or pans during January, March.
• Flowering time during summer and rainy seasons (April to September).
• Seeds should be soaked in water for a day or two before planting and will take about a
week.
• Germinate at 21°C.
CULTURAL PRACTICES
PRUNING:
Trim the gomphrena in early spring. Pinch off branch tips to encourage a bushier
exterior and pinch off wilted blooms at the stem.
FERTILIZE:
Fertilize the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio such as
14-14-14 at planting. Add a water-soluble fertilizer according to the instructions on the
label once every few weeks.
INSECT/PEST AND DISEASES
PESTS:
• Cutworms, aphids and beetles attack the plants at any stage of its growth.
• Spraying with suitable insecticide controls these pests.
DISEASES:
• Leaf spot.
• Tomato bushy stunt virus.
• Yellowing of vein disease.
• White fly
HARVESTING
• Gomphrena usually starts flowering after about 75 to 80 days after sowing.
• The stems can also be removed and the flowers attached to wreaths using hot glue if
desired. For drying, harvest Gomphrena after the flowers have fully opened. Strip the
velvety leaves and gather them into bunches using string or a light wrapping with rubber
bands.