How to Grow Gomphrena Seeds

Germination MediaUse a well-drained, disease-free media with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.2, and EC less than 0.75mS/cm (2:1 extraction).

SowingCover the seed with vermiculite lightly as they need light for germination.

• Stage 1

• Germination takes approximately 5 to 15 days.

• Seeds should be soaked in water for a day or two before planting.

• Germination temperature: 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C).

• Light: Light is required for germination.

• Media Moisture: Keep the media medium wet (level 4) during germination.

• Relative Humidity: Maintain 95 to 97% relative humidity until cotyledons emerge. Avoid excess humidity later-on in the plug production, as this will create conditions favorable for disease incidence.

• Stage 2

• Temperature: 72°F (22°C) days; 68°F (20°C) nights.

• Light: Can be up to 2,500 f.c. during Stages 2 and 3.

• Media Moisture: Keep the media medium (level 3) to medium wet (level 4) during Stage 2.

• Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer at rate 1 (less than 100 ppm N/less than 0.7 mS/cm EC) with a nitrate-form fertilizer with low phosphorous. Maintain a media pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and EC at 0.5 to 0.7 mS/cm (1:2 extraction).

Stage 3

• Temperature: 72°F (22°C) days; 68°F (20°C) nights.

• Light: Can be up to 5,000 f.c. while maintaining temperatures.

• Media Moisture: Moisture level can be reduced to medium to medium dry (level 3 to 2). Do not allow the seedlings to wilt.

• Fertilizer: Increase the fertilizer rate to 2 (100 to 175 ppm N/0.7 to 1.2 mS/cm EC). Maintain a media pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and EC at 0.7 to 1.0 mS/cm (1:2 extraction).

Stage 4

• Temperature: 68°F (20°C) days; 64°F (18°C) nights.

• Light: Can be up to 5,000 f.c. while maintaining temperatures.

• Media Moisture: Moisture level can be reduced to medium to medium dry (level 3 to 2). Do not allow the seedlings to wilt.

• Fertilizer: Keep the fertilizer rate to 2 (100 to 175 ppm N/0.7 to 1.2 mS/cm EC). Maintain a media pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and EC at 0.7 to 1.0 mS/cm (1:2 extraction).

Growing On to Finish

• Media Use a well-drained, disease-free soil less media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and an EC of 0.75 mmhos/cm.

• Temperature

• Night: 63° to 66°F (17° to 19°C)

• Day: 65 to 75°F (18 to 25°C)

Gomphrena can be grown under moderate to cooler temperature conditions (50°F/10°C minimum); however, crop time increases.

Light

Light level should be as high as possible while maintaining proper temperature

Irrigation

Avoid both excessive watering and drought.

Many gardeners set out 6-8 week old seedlings for a head start on the season.