Gomphrena 'Strawberry Fields' Seeds

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.

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.

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.

Sow indoors in spring for a relentless display of glowing red globes from mid-summer until the first frosts.