Gomphrena 'Strawberry Fields' Seeds While many "everlasting" flowers come in muted shades of straw or pastel, 'Strawberry Fields' breaks the mould. It produces dozens of clover-like, globe-shaped flowers in an intense, glowing shade of strawberry-red, flecked with tiny yellow stars. These flowers are nature's endurance athletes. They thrive in the hottest, driest summers, blooming relentlessly until the frost. Because the petals are actually papery bracts, they feel dry even when growing in the garden. This means they preserve perfectly, holding that vibrant red colour for years in a dried arrangement, making them the ultimate pop of colour for Christmas wreaths and winter vases. Read More 🌿 Understanding the Plant Gomphrena haageana 'Strawberry Fields' is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Originating from the sun-drenched regions of Central America, it is a dedicated heat-seeker that is highly sensitive to the cold but remarkably resilient once the summer warmth arrives. The "Everlasting" Bracts: What appear to be petals on the globe-shaped heads are actually stiff, papery bracts. This unique structural feature is what allow the flowers to maintain their glowing strawberry-red pigment almost indefinitely after being cut, making them a staple for professional dried floral work. AGM Winner: This variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. This accolade confirms that 'Strawberry Fields' is a reliable performer in the UK climate, specifically noted for its vigour, health, and ability to flower consistently through to the first frosts of autumn. 🌱 Growing Guide Gomphrena requires consistent warmth and a period of darkness to germinate successfully. How to Sow:Sow indoors from March to April. Sow the seeds into module trays and cover with compost or vermiculite, as they require darkness to germinate. We recommend covering the tray with cardboard or black plastic during the germination phase. Keep very warm (20-25°C); seedlings typically emerge in 14-21 days. Where to Plant:Plant out only in June once all risk of frost has passed. They demand full sun and thrive in light, well-drained, sandy soil. Gomphrena is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established but strongly dislikes heavy, wet clay soils. Ongoing Care:When the young plants reach approximately 15cm in height, pinch out the leading central tip to encourage a more bushy, branched habit. This significantly increases the number of flowering stems available for cutting. For drying, harvest the stems when the globes are fully coloured but before the very bottom bracts begin to fade or brown. 📋 Plant Specifications Botanical Name Gomphrena haageana Common Name Globe Amaranth 'Strawberry Fields' Plant Type Half-Hardy Annual Hardiness H2 (Protect from frost) Light Requirements Full Sun ☀️ Height 45cm - 60cm Spread 30cm Spacing Plant 30cm apart Flowering Period July to October Perfect For 🍂 Long-Life Dried Flowers✂️ Productive Cutting Patches☀️ Sun-Baked Borders🐝 Pollinator Support Seeds per Packet Approximately 40 seeds 🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations Gomphrena needs other heat-loving partners that thrive in the peak of the UK summer. Pair it with these available stars: 🍊 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The Hot Palette. Zinnias and Gomphrena are perfect bedfellows. Both love intense sun, hate cold damp soil, and produce rigid, long-lasting flowers. The oranges and deep reds of the 'Lilliput' mix blend seamlessly with the glowing strawberry globes. 🌻 Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest': The Late-Season Glow. The rich, mahogany-bronze tones of this Rudbeckia perfectly complement the bright red of the Gomphrena. Both plants are stamina-rich, continuing to bloom late into October when many other annuals have finished. 📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar Sow indoors in spring for a relentless display of glowing red globes from mid-summer until the first frosts. Month J F M A M J J A S O N D Sow Indoors ✓ ✓ Harvest ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✨ Drying TipFor the most intense red colour, harvest your stems when the flower is fully open but the very centre remains tight. Hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated place. If dried in direct UK sunlight, the vibrant red will quickly fade to a dull brown. 🏆 Award-Winning Garden Endurance As an AGM winner, Gomphrena haageana 'Strawberry Fields' is recognized for its stamina in British gardens. It is an unbeatable choice for gardeners wanting to produce high-quality, glowing red "everlasting" flowers for year-round floral arrangements.
